Encouraging Less Screen Time

Did you know?

  • 34% of preschool children have a TV in their bedroom
  • 2 hours is the average amount of time preschool children spend watching TV daily
  • Zero screen time is recommended for children under 2 years

Managing “screen time” can be difficult for parents especially as more and more parents are using smart phone, tablets and TV to keep children quiet and occupied. Here are our top tips for getting children to reduce screen time. 

Top Tips

  1. Figure out how much screen time is typical for your family and aim to cut it in half.
  1. Don’t make too many strict rules at once. Start gradually and reduce by 30 minutes a day or every second day
  1. Remove screens from your children’s rooms.
  1. Explain to family and friends that you are reducing screen time and make sure that TV watched outside the home is part of their daily allowance or goal.
  1. Make meal-times a technology-free zone – no phones, TV, computers etc.
  1. Don’t forget to practise what you preach – if you’re attached to your device for long periods of time, your children will expect to be as well.
  1. Have a ‘no tech day’ once a week and plan some active time with your family. Turn off:
    • TV
    • Video games
    • Computers
    • DVDs

– Gradually reduce by 30 minutes a day or every second day.

Provided by Safefood www.safefood.eu

The principal focus of safefood’s food safety programmes is to inform and empower individuals with the knowledge and incentive to positively influence food safety behaviour. Safefood promotes awareness and knowledge of food safety and nutrition issues in Ireland. 

 To visit Safefood “Let’s take on Childhood Obesity” Section click here