Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is incorporated as Louisiana Health Service & Indemnity Company and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.01CR1100 05/13

The Screen Time Trap

Set limits • Discuss the amount of total screen time allowed each day and set a timer to keep track.

• Aim for a goal of fewer than two hours daily – make gradual changes to reach it.

• Be a good example and limit your personal screen time – play with kids and add activity too!

• Use a calendar or other method to schedule screen time – have kids choose the shows or computer times they prefer and write it down in advance so the agreement is clear.

Provide options • Have options for activities to replace screen time, make them fun and active.

• Play catch, tag or jump rope, take walks, go to the park, dance, play outside, create fun indoor games, add movement to board games and be active with kids as often as you can.

Add activity • When screen time is allowed, add movement like jumping jacks or a lap around the house during commercials.

• Do stretches while you watch.

• Play active video games or computer games about nutrition and activity (2Step4Kids.com).

• Take active breaks for 5 to 10 minutes during screen time to get up, stretch and move more.

Be careful of other unhealthy screen time habits

• Avoid mindless munching with screen activities.

• If you do have a snack, make it nutritious like fruit, veggies and salsa or air-popped popcorn (without the excess butter and salt).

• Avoid the routine of TV after dinner every night or watching TV in bed.

• Change it up and try habits like evening walks after dinner or playing a family game.

• Avoid using screen time activities as a reward or punishment.

• Be aware of misleading food advertisements or unhealthful food marketing commercials.

Today’s conveniences and technologies lead to less activity. In addition, screen time activities lead to more sitting. TV, DVDs, computers, video games and even cell phones further reduce physical movement.

Too much screen time and a lack of physical activity are associated with problems in school, sleep disruption, weight gain and other health risks. Establish active habits while kids are young so they carry healthy behaviors into adulthood.