Children’s screen time measurement tools, reliability, validity, and behaviour categorisation: a scoping review protocol

Abstract Background There is growing interest in children’s screen time, with evidence suggesting health and well-being outcomes may vary according to screen time behaviour, category, and device. However, it is unclear if screen time measurement tools have advanced with the rapid evolution of availability and functionality of devices to capture contemporary screen usage. This scoping review aims to review the measurement tools currently being used to capture duration of screen time among children and adolescents (5–≤18 years) in the research literature. Specifically, we aim to (i) identify and describe the ways that screen time duration is being measured; (ii) identify if/how screen time behaviours are being categorised/grouped; (iii) describe tool’s validity and reliability; and (iv) provide recommendations for the most suitable measurement tools for capturing children’s screen time duration. Methods Electronic searches were conducted using Academic Search Complete via EBSCOHost, SPORTdiscus with Full Text via EBSCOHost, Global Health via EBSCOHost, MEDLINE Complete via EBSCOHost and EMBASE via Elsevier databases, independently. Studies were eligible for inclusion if (a) participants’ mean age or age range was within 5–18 years; (b) there was explicit reference to the measurement of daily screen time (duration) or broader sedentary behaviour where screen time is likely to be included as a separate variable; (c) published between 2020 and 2023; and (d) published in a peer-reviewed article in English. Inclusion was assessed by two reviewers at the title and abstract, and full text screening stages. Extracted data will include study details (sample characteristics, study design), measurement tool information (e.g. tool type, behaviours assessed, recall period and response options), categories or groupings of screen behaviours, reliability, and validity data (e.g. test and analysis performed, scores obtained). A narrative summary of the findings will be provided by age group (5–12 years and 13–18 years) where possible. Challenges, strengths, and limitations of the current measurement tools will be discussed. Findings will enable recommendations for the most relevant and reliable screen time measurement tools for capturing children’s screen time duration to be made. Discussion This review will identify and describe the measures currently being used to assess children’s screen time. The findings will be important for public health researchers, population behaviour measurement and surveillance, policy, and practice. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42023390356.