On average, how many hours per day do you think children spend on TV, computers, cell phones, and music players?
The average amount of time children spend plugged in is OVER 7 hours!
If most children are only awake for about 13 hours a day that means HALF of our children's days are consumed with technology. Now that's something to think about. Once they go back to school that means school and electronics could possibly fill up their day. YIKES!
According to an article citing the American Academy of Pediatrics, media overexposure is particularly detrimental to kids. The group has found that too much media consumption increases the risk of aggressive behavior, interest in alcohol and smoking, earlier sexual activity, obesity, and poor school performance! These are some serious statistics!
The average amount of time children spend plugged in is OVER 7 hours!
If most children are only awake for about 13 hours a day that means HALF of our children's days are consumed with technology. Now that's something to think about. Once they go back to school that means school and electronics could possibly fill up their day. YIKES!
According to an article citing the American Academy of Pediatrics, media overexposure is particularly detrimental to kids. The group has found that too much media consumption increases the risk of aggressive behavior, interest in alcohol and smoking, earlier sexual activity, obesity, and poor school performance! These are some serious statistics!
Here are some great ways to know exactly how plugged in your family is and what you can do to fill in some of that time with “unplugged” activities.
Keep a media diary. This is a great way to know exactly how much media time your family is using. Sometimes we aren't even aware that we are overusing technology! Simply log when and for how long you use technology over a 5 day period to give you a better idea of how much time you’re plugged in. Then start using some of these ideas to get unplugged!
Play! It can be a board game, a card game, or even make believe. Playing is foundational to a child’s life. When they play they're learning and using life skills, goal achievement, focus & self-control, physical competence, good decision making, and healthy social relationships.
Keep a media diary. This is a great way to know exactly how much media time your family is using. Sometimes we aren't even aware that we are overusing technology! Simply log when and for how long you use technology over a 5 day period to give you a better idea of how much time you’re plugged in. Then start using some of these ideas to get unplugged!
Play! It can be a board game, a card game, or even make believe. Playing is foundational to a child’s life. When they play they're learning and using life skills, goal achievement, focus & self-control, physical competence, good decision making, and healthy social relationships.
Walk! Walking can help relax and reduce stress as well as give you time to talk and exercise together.
Talk! Share fun facts about yourselves with each other - your likes, dislikes, what someone in the family does that irritates you and how you think that can be changed.
Make a list of favorite activities for future unplugged days/nights! Have each member of the family list activities that they love to do. Include things like playing baseball or softball, going to the park, or anything else that doesn't involve technology. Work on adding those activities into your unplugged time.
This list is not all-inclusive. In fact, it’s really designed to help you think of other things you can try to unplug. What’s your favorite way to unplug with your family? Let us know in the comments below!
