As a community, we can encourage ways to help kids get unplugged from electronic devices and go outside to play. As adults, we need to set a good example and balance our use of TVs and computers with healthy exercise.
Why reducing "screen time" is important
- Research shows that children spend between five and six hours per day watching TV, playing video games, or using a computer for recreation.
- Time spent in front of a screen is second only to the amount of time children spend sleeping!
- Metabolism rates while watching TV are lower than resting rates.
- The more time youth spend in front of a screen, the more likely they are to be overweight.
- Overweight is highest among children who watch TV or play video games for four or more hours per day.
Parents can make a difference!
- Limit screen time to no more than 2 hours per day.
- Set reasonable limits for cell phone use and text messaging.
- Do not put a TV in a child's bedroom.
- Make meal time, family time - turn off the TV during family meal time. Better yet, remove a TV from the eating area.
- Make screen time active time by doing simple exercises during commercial breaks.
- Help your kids be savvy media consumers by teaching them to recognize a sales pitch.
- Create family memories by planning fun alternatives to TV time for your family.
- Be a good role model - limit your TV watching and recreational computer use to less than two hours per day.