Pause To Play is a program aimed at reducing family screen time by encouraging families to turn off the screens and get active together!
The key to a healthy life is balance!
Nowhere is this more important then when it comes to children and screen time. Screen time (or media time) can include televisions, movies, video games, hand-held consoles, the computer (internet, games, social networking, instant messaging etc), and cell phones.
More than two hours per day of screen time for children can increase their risk of becoming overweight or obese, developing chronic conditions like diabetes, sleep disruptions, and other mental health concerns like attention problems, low self-esteem and childhood depression.
Family-centered active play is important for developing positive social skills, fine and gross motor skills, and maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle.
Did you know……
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In North America, children spend on average 7 hours in front of different screens every day, 7 days a week? That’s more then a full time job!
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Kids with screens in their bedrooms (even cell phones) spend almost 3 hours more per day multi-tasking with screens then those whose bedrooms are only for sleeping?
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More than 90% of children begin watching screens before their 2nd birthday?
Is your child older then 7 and wondering what they can do to get involved? That’s easy! Get your class, teacher, and school involved! Contact your Healthy Schools Nurse at 625-5972 to run a Turn Off The Screens Challenge at your school!
There are lots of ways to get your family active and involved. Check out The Key for recreation and learning opportunities that you can do together, or try one of these suggestions!
During those blustery Thunder Bay winter days:
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Try a new sport like cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, or ice fishing
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Build a fort in your backyard or local playground
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Go sledding
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Teach your children how to skate
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Build a snow-family
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Go star-gazing during those early evenings
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Take a snowy walk or hike with your pets
Too cold or stormy for outside activities? No problem!
