Helping Children Stay Active in a Screen-Obsessed World

Fortune magazine reports that children aged 8-12 spend an average of 5.5 hours a day staring at screens. For teenagers, that number skyrockets to a staggering 8.5 hours. To put that into perspective, that's more time than many adults dedicate to their full-time jobs. The question becomes, what are we losing when so much of their lives is spent behind a screen?

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In this digital whirlwind, it is easy to forget that children are not designed to be sedentary; they thrive on active, engaging play that promotes physical health and mental development. They are meant to climb trees, chase lizards, build sandcastles and splash in the river. However, with screens constantly vying for their attention, we are seeing a concerning decline in physical activity and a rise in childhood anxiety, depression and obesity.

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Research from the Journal of Pediatric Psychology highlights a compelling case for getting children moving. Active children can experience up to a 30% reduction in mental health symptoms. Physical activity not only promotes physical health but also enhances cognitive functions such as focus, memory and emotional resilience. When kids run, jump and play, their brains release endorphins and other beneficial chemicals, leading to happier and healthier outlooks on life.

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So how do we combat this addiction to digital technology? How do we keep our children active and encourage them to step outside? Let’s consider some practical suggestions:

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1. Set Screen Time Limits: Establish clear guidelines for daily screen use to ensure children have ample time
   for physical activity.
2. Become Active Role Models: Let your children see you engage in physical activities – whether it is cycling,
   jogging or even gardening. Share your enthusiasm for movement.
3. Family Activities: Set a goal to walk a certain number of steps each day or to try a new outdoor activity
   each week. This not only fosters teamwork but also turns exercise into a fun and shared experience.
4. Encourage Unstructured Playtime Outside: Let them run, climb and explore. Provide them with simple
   tools like balls, jump ropes or bicycles, allowing their imaginations to take flight. Sometimes, all it takes is a
   little push to ignite that sense of adventure.
5. Enrol in Sports or Classes: Encourage children to join sports teams or physical activity classes that
   interest them.
6. The Power of Community: Organize neighbourhood sports days or family outings to parks. Building
   connections with other families can create an environment where movement becomes a natural part of daily
   life.

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Besides, living on a tropical island like Jamaica gives us the advantage of year-round outdoor activity, diverse landscapes for swimming, hiking and cycling, and extended daylight for play and exercise. So, we have no excuses!

We have the power to shape our children’s future. By prioritizing physical activity and encouraging a love for the outdoors, we can combat the challenges posed by digital technology. Let’s encourage our children to embrace movement as a joyful part of their lives, enriching not only their bodies but also their minds and spirits.
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So, let’s get moving!

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