Children under ÿve should be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day to keep their bodies ÿt and healthy. It builds their bodies, minds and self-esteem.

Unfortunately, children are not being as active as they should. They are spending too much time using screen technology: tablets, smartphones, computers, handheld video games, and of course, TV. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting children’s total screen time to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day. For children younger than 2, no screen time at all.

Here are some tips to help you limit screen time:

Be a role model! Limit your screen time, too.
Do not allow a TV or computer in your child’s room.
Turn o˜ any screens during meal time or quality time.
If your child is already “hooked on screens,” try reducing the number of hours of screen time slowly over a period of time.
Keep track of time to limit the use of screen technology.
Help your children make a list of fun activities that do not require the use of a screen.
Have the children pick an activity from the list when their screen time is used up.
Encourage them to go outside and play, ride a bike, jump rope, walk the dog, play hopscotch, or hula-hoop, etc.

Weigel, D. 2022, Eat Smart Be Active - Screen Time for Young Children: How Much is Too Much?, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

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Eat Smart Be Active - Screen Time for Young Children: How Much is Too Much?

Children under ÿve should be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day to keep their bodies ÿt and healthy. It builds their bodies, minds and self-esteem.

Here are some tips to help you limit screen time:

Be a role model! Limit your screen time, too.
Do not allow a TV or computer in your child’s room.
Turn o˜ any screens during meal time or quality time.
If your child is already “hooked on screens,” try reducing the number of hours of screen time slowly over a period of time.
Keep track of time to limit the use of screen technology.
Help your children make a list of fun activities that do not require the use of a screen.
Have the children pick an activity from the list when their screen time is used up.
Encourage them to go outside and play, ride a bike, jump rope, walk the dog, play hopscotch, or hula-hoop, etc.

Published by: Weigel, D., 2022, Eat Smart Be Active - Screen Time for Young Children: How Much is Too Much?, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno