Longer viewing times contribute to a deterioration in the health status of children and adolescents. Television is being replaced by the ubiquitous use of computers, smartphones and social media. However, studies investigating the long-term effects of digital and social media (DSM) on children's health are daunting.

The research objective is to assess the long-term impact of DSM on children and adolescents' health and related behaviors: metabolic syndrome, well-being and other psychological outcomes, food intake and taste preferences. Data are used from the IDEFICS/I.Family cohort, which includes a large sample of children (aged 2-17 years) from 8 European countries (Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain and Sweden). Information on interesting variables is derived from validated questionnaires and blood samples. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses are performed to investigate the relationship between DSM and the results of interest, using sophisticated statistical analyses, including a two-step trajectory approach.

The results will provide information on the influence of DSM use on eating behavior and health outcomes in children and adolescents in different countries and with different socioeconomic status. The results will feed into future public health strategies for the development of primary prevention programs in the areas of child obesity, cardiovascular disease, mental health and well-being.