Should we turn the screens OFF?

We all know that regular physical activity is important for health and well-being. As educators we ensure our curriculum and environment promote and support physical activity whether it be through free play, games, yoga, Munch & Move programs and so on, so why has research over the last decade shown that screen time (such as TV, DVDs and games on electronic devices) for children aged between 0-4 years has increased?

The National Physical Activity Recommendations state that children under the age of 2 years should not be exposed to any screen time and children aged 2-5 years should spend less than 1 hour / day, however current research shows screen time has more than doubled!

While I do believe these to be outdated and do not reflect current technology accessed by children and some may not even consider this to be a concern, however for children who are not engaging in regular and consistent vigorous physical activity and play, increased sedentary activity is of great concern for the following reasons;

1. In a study of preschoolers (ages 1-4), a child’s risk of being overweight increased by six percent for every hour of television watched per day.  *1
2. Children who access more than the recommended screen time were more likely to be overweight, be less physically active, have a poor diet and have fewer social interactions. *2
3. Excessive TV has been linked to other negative outcomes such as poor cognitive performance, antisocial behaviour and reduced sleep time *3
4. Exposure to “blue waves” emitted from electronic devices at the end of the day have been found to negatively impact on circadian rhythm and melatonin secretion resulting in reduced sleep, increase in insulin and risk of diabetes and some cancers. *4

When we consider all of these one would also assume that poor self-esteem, social relationships and well-being is likely to be an outcome. While most of us enjoy “screen time” how do we educate families and children about what is healthy living as well as good choices in technology being accessed?

Some ideas for Families:

1. Share meal times at the table where conversations are encouraged and stronger relationships built
2. Identify a time of the day or a specific TV show or game that the child can view and ensure expectations of turning this off are clear and consistent
3. Ensure there is NO screen time in the car! Learn car games that encourage language, turn taking, problem solving
4. Have 1 day / week where everyone is “screen time” FREE!
5. Engage in physical activity as a family or with a family member for at least 30 minutes (minimum) to 60 minutes per day such as a walk, play with the dog, ride bike, swim, trampoline, go to the park, play a sport, kick a ball
6. If it is raining then utilise screen time effectively such as Wii Fit / Wii Dance!
7. Implement rules such as “no TV on school / child care mornings”
8. Be aware / conscious of when your child is in front of the screen and ensure apps or games are appropriate- that promote problem-solving and creative thinking such as Games progressing though levels, where decisions have to be made.
9. Engage with your child during “screen time”-  discuss the games, the creations, the content and messages!
10. Eliminate background TV and be aware of what is on… is it appropriate?
11. Stop any use of electronic devise at least 3 hours before bedtime.
12. See screen time for what it is-  it can numb the brain, creates “zombie like” behaviour and can have negative impacts on children’s development, behaviour and sleep quality.

As educators, who are knowledgeable about the impacts on child development, behaviour and well-being, it is our responsibility to share this information with families in an effort to provide insight and hence informed decisions. I would hope that we all lead by example and only engage children in screen time for educational and creative purposes such as researching an interest or topic and that viewing TV and DVDs in the early childhood setting is a thing of the past!

So, what are your thoughts?

For more information on this please access “Move & Play Everyday” http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/F01F92328EDADA5BCA257BF0001E720D/$File/Move%20and%20play%20every%20day%200-5yrs.PDF

Sources:

*1   Dennison BA, Erb TA and Jenkins PL. Television viewing and television in Bedroom associated with overweight risk among low income preschool children. Pediatrics 2002. 109: 1028-1035.

*2   CSIRO web-site http://www.csiro.au/resources/10-steps-for-healthy-families-ScreenTime.html

*3    Christakis DA, Zimmerman FJ. Violent television viewing during preschool is associated with antisocial behaviour during school age. Pediatrics 2007; 120(5): 993-9. Van den Bulck J. Television viewing, computer game playing and internet use and selfreported time to bed and time our of bed in secondary –school children. Sleep 2004; 27(1):101-4. In Granich, J, Rosenberg M, Knuiman M

*4    http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side