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Tame the Tube: Introduction

Last Updated: October 28, 2009

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Tame the Tube Learning Lesson

The Self-Learning segments provide an in-depth look at important topics within each of the Families, Food, and Fitness areas. Each learning area is made up of multiple sections that may take more time than other material on the site to complete. Because the learning areas present more information, we suggest you set aside 15 – 30 minutes to enjoy the full benefit of each Self-Learning segment.


Children spend more time sitting in front of electronic screens (screen time) than in any other activity besides sleeping. This means they spend more time in front of screens than they do in school. The average time spent with various media

girl holding remote

(television, computer, video games) is more than five hours per day. Even the very youngest children, preschoolers ages 6 and younger, spend as much time with screen media (TVs, video games, and computers) as they do playing outside. That means several hours of inactivity and, in the case of television viewing, hours of exposure to advertising for high-fat, high-calorie foods. Many of these ads are aimed directly at children. Too much screen time affects children’s brains and bodies.





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