Youth urged to Pause to Play by Turning Off the Screens May 1-7

It’s time again for the “Turn Off The Screens” challenge, and the Grey Bruce Health Unit is encouraging youth to participate.

The 15th annual event runs from May 1-7. During this week, students and their families do their best to get off the couch and get active by turning off the television, video game or computer.

Only one in 10 children and youth are getting enough daily activity (60 minutes per day) while 76 per cent are spending more than the recommended leisure screen time of two hours per day.

Decreases in physical activity and increases in screen time are associated with increased anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and the early development of chronic disease, such as diabetes and heart disease.

To decrease screen time, parents are encouraged to try the following strategies:
 

• Limit television or video game time to one to two hours per day
• Remove televisions from children’s bedrooms
• Eat meals together with the television turned off
• Be a good role model by being active with your child

Students who increase their activity time, while decreasing their screen time, will be eligible to help their school win prizes. The top three participating schools, by percentage of overall students participating, will receive a mounted plaque for display.

The health unit would prefer you didn’t check out its website - instead, take this opportunity to get outside and “PLAY your way, every day!”