Rural 3–4-year-olds spend more time on screens than children in Helsinki, girls less physically active than boys
In early childhood, clear differences already appear in movement behaviors: rural children spend more time on screens than their peers in Helsinki, and girls are less physically active than boys.
The SUNRISE Helsinki study examined whether young children’s daily movement behaviors and motor skills differ between urban and rural settings, and between girls and boys. These behaviors include physical activity, sedentary behaviors such as screen time and restrained sitting, and sleep. Studying them in early childhood is important because this period is crucial for development and establishing healthy habits, which can have long-lasting effects on health and wellbeing.
The participants were 274 children aged 3–4 years in Helsinki and surrounding rural areas. Their physical activity was measured for a week with accelerometers. Caregivers provided information on sleep, screen use, and time spent sitting in transport, and the children also completed tests of gross and fine motor skills.
The study found that rural children spent more time on screens and in transport than children in Helsinki. Children in rural areas also had a higher prevalence of overweight. Boys were more physically active and spent less time on screens than girls. While motor skills did not differ between urban and rural children, girls outperformed boys in balance and hand–finger coordination, whereas boys showed greater handgrip strength.
The researchers note that these findings raise important questions. Why do children in rural areas spend more time on screens, and could this help explain higher rates of overweight? Why are girls already less physically active than boys at this age? They suggest that future studies should examine whether environments that support active play are equally engaging and accessible for all children, and whether adults unintentionally encourage different types of play for girls and boys. Understanding these factors could help create supportive environments that promote active play and healthy development for every child.
Original article:
Varhaiskasvatusikäisten lasten liikkumiskäyttäytymisen sekä motoristen taitojen erot Helsingissä ja lähimaaseutualueilla.
Uusitalo K, Louhi R, Puhakka S, Kaasalainen K, Roos E. & Engberg E. Liikunta & Tiede 2025.
