Choose your own Little Steps
Category: Screentime
Children who spend more than 4 hours a day in front of a screen are more likely to be overweight. This includes TV, DVDs, videotapes, computers or video games. As well as not being active, they may be snacking on fatty or sugary foods in front of the screen.
Plan for 2 hours screen time a dayTV viewing and computer games can be addictive, so limit your children's screen time to 2 hours a day. |
Have screen-free bedroomsDon't put a TV or computer in your child's bedroom. Children with screens in their rooms get less exercise, interact less with their families, have poorer diets and get less sleep. |
Set an exampleYour children will do as you do, so take stock of your own viewing habits and, if you need to, cut down on your own screen time too. |
Crowd out the TVThink of fun things that your family will prefer to do instead of flopping on the sofa. How about a family walk after dinner instead of turning on the TV? Or cancelling the cable or satellite subscription and putting the money towards a special holiday instead? |
Don’t snack in front of the TVMost people go into munching autopilot when they're distracted by the TV and don't realise when they're full. It's better if your children don't get into this habit. |
Turn it off if no-one’s watchingDon't keep the TV on in the background - if no one's watching, turn it off. |
Get a TV guideGet in the habit of planning your TV viewing. You'll find it easier to take control and monitor how much time your family is spending in front of the TV. |
Make TV time family timeInstead of buying a set for each member of the family - find programmes that the whole family likes to watch. |
Make meals TV freeTurn off the TV during mealtimes - better still, don't have a TV in the kitchen or dining area. |
Cut out afternoon TVGet your children outdoors during daylight hours. Sunshine provides vitamins they need to grow healthily, and playing outside keeps them active. |