Switching Screens Off

One very important way of encouraging active play is to disallow or limit screen time and deliberately switch to active play.

What is screen-time?

Screen time is time spent in front of any type of screen for entertainment or recreation purposes. This includes:

  • Watching television, DVDs or movies.
  • Playing computer games, playstations and hand held electronic games (eg Nintendo Game Boy).
  • Using the internet.

Switch to active play

While active play is good for the health of babies and children, screen time is bad for the health of babies and children. Switching to active play can help to promote healthy physical activity and prevent unhealthy sedentary activity.

Research has shown that screen time reduces the amount of time for active play and limits physical and social development. There is also a strong link between screen time and poor concentration and reduced intellectual development, and increased levels of obesity.

Switch to play everyday