Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • June 25, 2014 Ideas for those trying to decrease family screen time Smartphones and tablets appear to have staying power. The Pew Research Center confirms that smartphone penetration has surpassed the 50 percent mark among mobile subscribers. Many others are rou- tinely using tablets to access books, tele- vision shows, movies, and magazines. In multi-screen homes, televisions are still king. According to a 2012 Nielsen report, the average American over the age of two spends more than 34 hours a week, or more than four hours per day, watching live television. Those findings should raise an eyebrow, as health experts warn that exces- sive screen time can be hazardous to one’s health. A sedentary lifestyle spent in front of computers and video game consoles contrib- utes to poor health. Of the leading industri- alized countries, the United States has the highest obesity statistics, and Canada is not far behind. Obesity can impact cholesterol, cardiovascular health, risk for type II dia- betes, and risk for stroke. Excessive screen time can lead to sleep and eating disorders, interfere with a person’s ability to focus, and negatively affect a person’s performance at school or work. Getting a family active and reducing time spent in front of a screen can have profound effects, and reducing screen time does not have to be difficult. Gradually implement changes. Fami- lies immersed in electronic devices can cut down on screen time slowly and over the course of several weeks rather than tuning out cold turkey. Start by reducing time spent watching television or playing video games by one hour per week, and gradually reduce time spent devoted to such activities in the ensuing weeks. Hide devices. “Out of sight, out of mind” can work with respect to digital devices. If tablets or smartphones are tucked away, family members may feel less inclined to reach for them. Just as you would not stock the pantry full of fattening foods while trying to lose weight, don’t make digital devices readily available throughout the day. Keep televisions out of the bedroom. Children who have televisions in their bed- rooms tend to watch an additional 90 min- utes of programming per day than those who do not have televisions in their rooms. Keep the television in a shared area of the house so time spent watching the TV can be monitored and adjusted. Establish guidelines. Set firm limits on how much screen time will be allowed per day and stick with it. Adults can lead by example. Plan more family activities. Boredom can easily give way to time spent fooling around on the Internet or channel surfing. Parents should have a cache of ideas at the ready that promote active family time. Neighborhood walks or tossing around a baseball in the yard are enjoyable activities that cut back on time spent being seden- tary. Encourage indoor activities, such as puzzles or board games, if the weather is not cooperating. Be steadfast. Do not throw in the towel too soon. Families should stand their ground when attempting to decrease their screen time in favor of healthier activities.