Reducing Screen Time

The simplest way to reduce sedentary behaviour in kids aged 6 to 11 years is to teach them about the importance of exercising daily and eating nutritiously from a very young age.  Children start developing habits from the routines they experience, just like any other age group, and this is where parental guidance is absolutely crucial.  Health education in schools may not be enough.  Activities can be planned ahead of time to keep children moving around if they’re inside the house after school, but the best way for children to get enough physical activity every day is to have them enrolled in sports or have them play outside.  Many sports can be played outside, even throughout the winter.

Older teens are more difficult to manage, since with their increased freedom, regulating the amount of physical activity and reducing screen time takes more delicate planning and education on healthy habits that they can agree on.  Because teens are more concerned with social life, the importance of nutritional information must be impressed upon them, as well as the consequences of unhealthy habits in the long run.  If they’re not enrolled in sports, encourage them to avoid social networking and to instead go outside to see their friends or encourage their friends to enroll in sports with them.

Early Focus

Even though the current generation of children and teens are part of a culture entrenched in watching television or interacting with a graphic user interface, it’s the educational quality of nutritional information imparted to them that can help improve and change their habits.  The focus that parents provide their children about the benefits of keeping a healthy and active routine is an important part of their education.


Sources:
CIHI
CBC