Why reduce screen time?
Reducing screen time gives people more time to spend with their loved ones. Connecting with others can reduce stress, despair, and anxiety symptoms. Because of screens, we frequently miss out on the pleasure and beauty that is happening all around us.
How to reduce screen time
Speak with your family.
Tell your children that in order to maintain a healthy weight, it’s necessary to walk more and sit less. Tell them that having more energy will also enable them to learn and/or improve new abilities, like riding a bike or shooting hoops, which may result in more enjoyable times spent with friends. Inform them that you’ll follow s
Set an Excellent Example.
You should set a positive example by limiting your daily screen usage to no more than two hours. Your children will be more likely to follow your rules if they witness you doing so.
Activity time vs. Log Screen Time
Start keeping track of the amount of time you and your family spend in front of a screen, including activities like watching TV and DVDs, playing video games, and using the computer for anything other than work or school. then check to see how much exercise they get. This will help you determine what modifications are necessary.
Make watching screens equal to active time.
Do something active if you must spend time in front of a screen. Lift weights, do yoga, and/or stretch. Alternately, test the family to see who can complete the most leg lifts, jumping jacks, or push ups while the TV is on commercial.
Limit your screen time.
Establish a house rule limiting daily screen time to two hours. enforce the law, that’s more crucial.
Create bedrooms without screens.
Do not place a computer or television in your child’s room. Kids who have TVs in their rooms typically watch more TV than kids who don’t—about 1.5 hours more each day. Plus, it keeps them in their room instead of spending time with the rest of the family.
Make mealtimes a family affair.
Don’t watch TV while eating. Better better, if there is a TV in the dining area, take it out. Family meals are a great opportunity for conversation. Families that eat together typically consume more nutritious meals, according to research. Set aside time for family meals at least twice or three times per week, and make dining together a priority.
Offer alternate options
It is simple to forget about the rest of the world when watching TV because it can become a habit. Give your children suggestions and/or alternatives, such going outside to play, picking up a new interest, or taking up a sport.
Avoid using television as a reward or punishment.
Children view TV as considerably more essential when such practises are used.
Recognize TV Placements and Ads
We all suffer when we see fast food, candy, soda, and other snacks on television, but children in particular. Help your youngster understand that just because a food or drink appears on TV, or your favourite TV personalities or stars consume it, doesn’t necessarily imply it’s healthy for you. Ask your children to consider the motivation behind a certain kind of morning cereal that their favourite cartoon character is urging them to consume.
Conclusion
Screen use at home should be kept to two hours or fewer each day, according to health experts. Except when it’s necessary for work or school, we could use that time in front of the computer to engage in greater physical activity (thus increasing our energy expenditure).
source (adapted from nhlibi.hih.gov) NHS