All the stereotypes confirmed: differences in how Australian boys and girls use their time.
BACKGROUND
To influence adolescent health, a greater understanding of time use and covariates such as gender is required.


OBJECTIVE
To explore gender-specific time use patterns in Australian adolescents using high-resolution time use data.


METHODS
This study analyzed 24-hour recall time use data collected as part of the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 2,200). Univariate analyses to determine gender differences in time use were conducted.


RESULTS
Boys spent more (p < .0001) time participating in screen-based (17.7 % vs. 14.2% daily time) and physical activities (10.7% vs. 9.2%). Girls spent more (p < .0001) time being social (4.7% vs. 3.4% daily time), studying (2.0% vs. 1.7%), and doing household chores (4.7% vs. 3.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
There are gender-specific differences in time use behavior among Australian adolescents. The results reinforce existing time use gender-based stereotypes. Implications. The gender-specific time use behaviors offer intervention design possibilities.
University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. ferke001@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Katia E
KE
Ferrar
Tim S
TS
Olds
Julie L
JL
Walters
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012737:Sex Factors; D060756:Social Networking; D013240:Stereotyping