A total of 1,013 children between the ages of 10 and 11 participated in the study. Each child was asked to report the numbers of hours they spend each day watching television or playing on the computer. The numbers were shocking. Some reported that these activities take up as much as five hours out of their day!
The children were also asked to complete a survey designed to get a gauge on their psychological health. And, for seven days, they wore a device around their waist which kept track of the amount of time they spent participating in moderate to vigorous activity.
The results of the study surprised them all...
At the end of the study, researchers concluded that the kids who spent two hours or more involved in television and video game activities were the most likely to have difficulty relating with their peers and to suffer with emotional issues, hyperactivity and behavioral challenges.
The experts used to think that you could balance the time spent in from of a television or video console with physical activity and there would be no harm to the child. However, this research suggests that’s simply not the case.
In other words, there’s just not enough exercise in the world to fight the negative effects of hours and hours of watching television and playing video games.
What’s a parent to do?
- 1. Hide the remote control. If that’s the only way you can get your child away from the TV, do it!
- 2. Create alternatives. Encourage game playing, hobbies, outdoor activities, whatever it takes to ensure that your kids know there’s more to life than video games.
- 3. Become a good example. Whether they tell you or not, your kids are watching you carefully and following your lead. So, please, do what you can to be a good example. That’s certainly easier said than done, but my Energy Guidebook provides practical information you can use to get headed in the right direction.
My Energy Guidebook includes “how-to” information for avoiding disease, adding exercise to each day, and step-by-step health protocols for managing some of today’s most troubling health issues. It also shares delicious, healthy, recipes and meal plans that you and your family will love.
Remember, if your kids see you practicing good health habits, so will they. But if they see you glued to the TV or video console, then that’s where they’ll be. The power to make your household a healthy one is, literally, in your hands.