Children and screen time....press the pause button and be active!

Canadian guidelines say children and youth should spend no more than 2 hours per day viewing screens but according to the research, very few meet this goal. In fact it is not unusual for children and youth to average 6 hrs per weekday (outside of school hours), and 7 hours on the weekends, viewing screens- watching TV, playing video or computer games, surfing the net, chatting online, etc.

Start today to help bring some balance back into your children’s’ lives. Replace some screen time with physical activities. For health benefits, aim to play games that are active, get their heart rates up, and that build muscle and bone strength like running, cycling, skating, playing on climbers, or dancing.

Participating in physical activities has social benefits too like helping children develop friendships and learn to get along with others.

Active children and youth enjoy life, feel happier and have improved self-confidence. What great reasons to encourage your child to have an active lifestyle!

An active lifestyle starts at any age. So what are you waiting for? Take part in physical activity everyday...throughout life!