According to a national survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children ages 8-18 years old spend an average of seven hours and 38 minutes devoted to screen time each day. This translates to an average of more than 53 hours per week! The results of this survey were released in January 2010. The survey results further show that children are actually squeezing in 10 hours and 45 minutes of entertainment media consumption in those seven and a half hours, because they are able to multitask between media devices.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has expressed concern over the amount of time children spend watching television and playing video games. Excessive screen time has been linked to an increase in violent behavior, early sexual activity, obesity, poor body image, substance abuse and decreased school performance.
What can parents do if they want to cut back on their child’s screen time?
Participate in TV Turnoff Week
TV Turnoff Week is a national campaign organized by the Center for Screen-Time Awareness. TV Turnoff Week is typically scheduled for a week in April and a week in September, though the specific dates change from year to year. Many school districts organize a TV Turnoff Week event and schedule various activities for after school and evening during the week.
Organize a Family Screen-Time Boycott
Families can take the initiative to hold their own TV-free week or month. The key to success is to prepare in advance. Plan activities that can be done during typical TV time. Have a well-stocked craft cupboard. Gather the ingredients and directions for various science experiments. Plan special family outings. Create a list of screen-free activities. Post the list on the refrigerator so it can be consulted when the inevitable cries of boredom start. Discuss plans to go screen-free with the kids ahead of time so they aren’t taken by surprise.
Rewards for Participating in Screen-Free Week
Kids who are especially addicted to screen time may need a reward of some sort to make it worth their effort. Plan a big reward at the end of a successful week or month of screen-free time. A trip to play laser tag, to an amusement park or to a sporting event would all be fun, screen-free rewards.
The amount of media children are exposed to may result in undesirable behaviors in children. Minimize the effects in your family by taking part in the Center for Screen-Time Awareness TV Turnoff Week, organizing a family screen-free week and by rewarding children who stay screen-free for the whole week.
Sources:
The Kaiser Family Foundation website, "Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds" (accessed February 2, 2011).
American Academy of Pediatrics website, Policy Statement, "Children, Adolescents and Television," Committee on Public Education, Pediatrics Vol. 107 No. 2 February 2001 (accessed February 2, 2011).
Center for Screen-Time Awareness website. (accessed February 2, 2011).
Barb Hacker - Barb is a busy mom of three boys and a freelance writer. She is an avid reader who enjoys reading about history, parenting and gardening. ...
