‘Screen time’ is the time spent using a screen-based device, such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, or television. Not all screen time is unhealthy. Screens can offer an important way to learn and communicate at school and at work.
Most often, kids use screens for recreational purposes such as watching movies and playing games. They may be sitting, reclining or lying down the whole time they are on their screens. When children spend a lot of time in front of screens, they have less time for other healthy activities and it can affect their health. A balanced day should be filled with learning, physical activity, social interaction and fun activities.
Why it matters?
Excessive screen time can affect many aspects of a child’s health, including delayed language development, lower levels of physical activity, unhealthy weights, and lower self-esteem. Too much screen time is also a concern because it can take time away from healthy activities in a child’s day. However, when a child has limited screen time throughout the day, there are many positive outcomes and research has found that:
- Eating meals away from screens, and eating meals as a family, can contribute to healthier eating in children
- Avoiding screens for at least 1 hour before bed and removing all screens from the bedroom is linked with better quantity and quality sleep.
- Replacing screen time with real-life interactions helps build emotional connections, develops language, builds mental and social skills, and increases time spent being physically active.
How to address screen time
There are three key ways to minimize screen time as part of a balanced day.
- Stay within recommended screen time limits.
- Put screens away during important times of day, such as 1 hour before bed and during meals and snacks.
- Replacing some screen time with healthy fun activities such as playing, moving, cooking and reading.
How families can shape screen time
Parents’ use of screens can influence children’s screen time. You may sometimes rely on screens such as video games and smartphones to keep your children busy while you do other tasks. You may even find that screen time serves as family time in your home.
You have an important role in limiting children’s screen time. Consider changing your behaviour together as a whole family by setting screen time limits for your children and creating a family media plan. Keep non-screen activities, such as books, colouring, cards, puzzles and games, ready to occupy your children when you will be busy. Plan to unplug from digital entertainment and spend time together playing and exploring with friends and family. Summer months can be filled with outdoor adventures and it’s the perfect opportunity to Power Off and Play!
For other tools,resources (including monthly activity sheets and family meal plans) , and ideas on how you can Power Off and Play! Visit www.healthykidsptbo.ca and visit Theme 4, Power Off and Play! KG
