A 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reported that people who watch three or more hours of television a day double their risk of death at a younger age. This research reinforces the dangers associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which include high blood pressure, obesity, cancer and heart disease.
Too much technology and screen time for children can also lead to learning problems and expose children to more violence and sexual content, which can lead to fear, aggressive behavior and acting out.
Turn the TV, computers and electronic devices off and make sure your family stays under the two hour or less of screen time recommendation. Here are a few ways to limit your family’s screen time:
- Keep the TVs and other electronic devices out of bedrooms.
- Turn off the TV, smartphones or electronic devices and enjoy family meals together.
- Replace watching TV or playing on computers, gaming systems and other electronic devices with fun family activities that encourage movement. Take a walk or bike ride, or play basketball.
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