MI Parents Urged To Seek Less Screen Time This Week

videogames

Michiganders and others around the nation are encouraged to turn off their television, computer, and tablets during Screen-Free Week this week. Experts say too much screen time is linked to obesity, sleep disruptions, and emotional troubles, especially among children. Josh Golin, with the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood, says while the idea of having their children go screen-free might send parents into a panic, Golin says they might be surprised with the result.

Kids are much more imaginative at coming up with activities than we give them credit for these days,” Golin said. “So, if we can start to break that habit – as the second we’re bored reach for the tablet or turn on the video-game system – we’d be amazed at the ways that kids can entertain themselves.”

Experts discourage screen time for children under age two, and for other kids no more than two hours a day of educational programming. However, research shows eight- to 18-year-olds spend about seven hours using screen media every day.