The 2009 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth provides evidence that the amount of “screen time” experienced by our children is significant. Among many other important details in the report, here are two interesting, and revealing, statistics:

• Less than 10% of Canadian youth are meeting the Public Health Agency of Canada guideline that calls for less than two hours of screen time per day.
• A child between the ages of five and 15 who watches more than three hours of television per day is 30% less likely to earn a bachelor’s degree by age 26 than a child who watches less than one hour per day. 

In fact, many children spend closer to six hours a day in front of screens! Now that is something to be concerned about.

Screen time includes time watching television, using computers (including time accessing the Internet or playing games, etc.), electronic devices such as video consoles, cellphones, and other handheld or portable devices used for gaming, videos and Internet access.

The question “Do we ‘give up’ and admit defeat to the ‘one-eyed monster’ of screen-time?”  The answer should be a firm no!

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As parents and community members, it’s better to tackle the issue of too much screen time, by coming up with creative, fun, active and engaging alternatives for children, schools, parents and the community-at-large.

Read on for some suggested alternatives and solutions!

School Screen Time?
Although students are exposed to lots of screen time while at school – such as computers, projected images, television and videos – there is still room for educators to promote more face-to-face interactions among students and teachers.

Consider some of the following ideas to help reduce the amount of screen time experienced by children and youth in your school:

• During classes that involve significant screen time, allow for regular, active breaks. This helps to get kids moving and break up the screen time.
• To prevent too much sitting while in front of screens, encourage the use of sit-stand work stations.
• During classes or other school activities, plan to include face-to-face interaction, such as debates, discussion groups and peer networking opportunities. Space these activities apart, to help give students a break from too much screen time.
• In our cold weather climate, recess is often cancelled. Instead of showing movies to school children, involve them in physical activities, such as holding a dance party in the gym, doing some cup stacking in the classroom or bowling in the hallway.

For some grade levels, class parties are another opportunity to get kids moving. Try to replace “sit and watch” activities with “get up and do” activities that involve all students in the class. For example, take the party outdoors to the park or the playground and provide a variety of opportunities to get active.  Alternatively, play simple games in the classroom or book some gym time.

Home Screens
Too often, when school and work are done for the day, we arrive at home and often “unwind” with two or three hours of television or Internet time. For you and your children, plan to avoid the temptation of screen time and choose to be more active.

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Here are some “active” ideas:

• How about Physical Activity Phridays?  When everyone arrives home from their busy day, one family member (change each week!) gets to choose an activity for the family to do together, such as swimming, outdoor ice hockey, sledding, walking or playing a game. After all, physical activities are a great way to enjoy quality family time!
• As a parent, get active! Research has shown that parent modeling of physical activity (instead of too much screen time) can be very powerful. Your leadership can energize the whole family!
• Bring on the board games!  Consider other alternatives to recreation that don’t involve staring at a screen, such as playing cards or creative board games. This can include new or traditional board games that stimulate the mind, provide interaction and are just plain fun! 
• Bring on the physically active games! Encourage your kids to play various games and get moving, indoors or outdoors. Think ping-pong, pool, foosball, Frisbee, football, lawn darts and more.
• Exercise your brain! Use the local library often and visit local bookstores. Model your interest in reading by reading in the company of your children.

Community Screens
Maybe you don’t think of the community as a place that encourages screen time but every time your child goes to someone’s house to watch television or play video games, or out to a movie theatre, they are experiencing additional screen time and sedentary time.

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One of the solutions is to get to know your neighbours and work together to provide opportunities for social interactions that do not involve screen time. For example:

• Get involved in your community league and/or access the community league’s services. Post information about opportunities for children and adults to be active. Organize events and get-togethers with friends and neighbours. Use the local facilities that are available, such as community halls; there are often discounts for large groups or community groups.
• There are many options for families and individuals to get together in the community. Soccer, basketball, tennis, capture the flag and skating are just a few low-cost ideas.  Organize a regular time to come together and play!
• Community events can also include active, indoor gatherings, such as dances, board game tournaments (speed scrabble anyone?), and fun group games like spoons or four on the couch.

Too often, it seems very easy for us and our children to sit and spend time in front of a screen. However, with a little planning, creativity and initiative you can find ways to reduce sedentary screen time.  Involve everyone, develop some new, active habits and get moving! You’ll be glad you led the way!

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Learn More

Ever Active Schools
Resources and supports for the home, school and community.  Check out the Winter and Summer Active resource guides for a wealth of information!

Active Healthy Kids Canada
Information, research summaries and supports to get kids moving!  Includes the 2009 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.

Kids Health
Health related information including resources and information about screen time.  Information is tailored to parents, kids and teens.