Author: Ann Zander, M.S., Family & Consumer Sciences, Colorado State University, Colorado Cooperative Extension

How much screen time your child gets, television, DVDs, computer use, and video games, can have a big impact on their health. Most kids plug into the world of television long before they enter school, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the U.S. Two out of 3 children are overweight or obese. Researchers have concluded that one of the reasons for this increase in obesity is that children are spending more time in front of screens. They are watching more TV, playing video games, or on the Internet for fun, which means less time being active. While watching TV kids also may snack more, often on high-calorie snacks. They are also exposed to ads that encourage them to eat unhealthy foods such as potato chips, sweetened cereals, and sugar sweetened drinks that become the preferred snack foods.

It is estimated that kids spend an average of 4-6 hours a day inactive in front of some type of screen. In the past 5 years young people have increased the amount of time they spend consuming media to 7 ½ hours a day, thanks to multitasking or multimedia. This is well above the amount recommended by experts. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no TV or video for children under the age of 2. Older children should be limited to no more than 1 to 2 hours of screen media time per day.

Television in moderation can be a good thing. For example, preschoolers can learn the alphabet on educational programming, grade school children can learn about wildlife on nature shows, and older children can keep up with current events on the evening news. Maintaining a balanced diet and establishing healthy TV habits are two of the most important things you can do for your family.

Cut back on “screen time” to allow more time to play outdoors, take a walk, play a sport, or play with friends. Children are influenced by what their parents do and it is important for you as a parent to be a good role model.

Tips for reducing screen time

• Keep a time chart of your child’s activities, including TV, homework, and playing with friends. Then discuss with your child how activities need to be a balance between active and sedentary activities.
  
• Set a weekly viewing limit. Know what your kids are watching on TV and doing on the computer.
  
• Rule out TV at certain times, such as no TV during meals.
  
• Keep TVs/computers out of bedrooms.
  
• No TV while doing homework.
  
• Make a list of alternative activities such as riding a bicycle, taking a walk, working on a hobby.
  
• Avoid using the TV/computer as a babysitter.
  
• Instead of watching TV play a board game, play outside, work on a craft/hobby, or dance to music.
  
• Be a good role model by gaining control of your own screen time.
  

Let’s talk:
Expect that children will not be happy with limitations on screen time. Be prepared to explain why you are limiting their time. “Healthy bodies and minds need a variety of activities. Too much time watching TV or playing on the computer doesn’t give your body a chance to move and your mind to be creative.” Have a list of alternative activities children can choose from. Make sure they know you will be reducing your screen time also. Be a good role model by using your new found time being more active and spending time with them.

Activity for health:
Hang this chart near the television, by the computer or on the refrigerator to track of each family members Screen time.

Screen Time Log

Kaiser Permanente Family Foundation Study. 2010 http://www.kff.org/entmedia/upload/8010.pdf Accessed November 15, 2010.

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