Children whose parents work non-standard or unsocial hours may be more likely to be overweight and experience behavioural problems, new research indicates.

US and Australian researchers carried out a major review of studies that had looked at the working schedules of parents and the effect on their children's development. Twenty-three studies spanning three decades were analysed.

The research found that if parents worked non-standard or unsocial hours, such as evenings, nights and weekends, their children tended to have more problems with behaviour. They also had poorer cognitive abilities, such as with reading and maths.

These children were also more likely to be overweight or obese compared to children whose parents mostly worked daytime hours during the week.

Overall, 21 of the 23 studies found a negative link between a parent's unsocial hours and their child's development.

A number of reasons were suggested for the findings, including reduced child-parent interactions, reduced closeness, poorer quality parenting and a less supportive home environment.

These problems were especially pronounced in poorer families and in homes where parents worked unsocial hours on a full-time basis.

The researchers noted that the 24/7 economy could be adding to the challenges faced by parents who are trying to achieve a healthy work/life balance.

Details of these findings are published in the Journal of Primary Prevention.