Children's time use and social skills: a contribution to the development of social skills programs

Abstract

In this study we analyse the association between children's Time Use and their Social Skills. Participants were 112 children, aged eight and nine (52 girls and 60 boys) living and studying in the Metropolitan Area of Porto. Children's time use was collected through a time-diary, adapted from the Child Development Supplement of Panel Study of Income Dynamics (University of Michigan). Social skills were measured using the Portuguese adaptation of the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS). Cluster analyses revealed the existence of three groups of children with different patterns of time use. Statistical analysis revealed an association between the pattern of time use and some dimensions of social skills. For instance, the pattern with more time devoted to unstructured outdoor activities, without adult supervision, and with less time with parents, is associated with lower levels of assertion, cooperation and self control. Results are discussed and presented some clues to implement programs to promote social skills and prevent anti-social behaviour, based on Time Use.