Family over screen time: Tips for a healthier holiday break

With teens out of school for the holidays and Middle Georgia’s weather unpredictable at  best, it may be tempting for parents to offer video games and television as convenient entertainment options. However, too much screen time can be bad for adolescents.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of all  children ages 12 to 17 spend four hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day. And these are just normal days. What happens when kids are out of school and offered  no better alternative than video games and YouTube?  

As an adolescent medicine physician, I’ve witnessed how too much screen time can lead to obesity. Statistics show that one in four teens with high screen time (four or more hours per day) reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in the past two weeks. 

But, in today’s world, the question becomes: How much screen time is OK? 

The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes a balance between screentime and  other activities that promote healthy growth and well-being.  

I advise families to develop personalized limits that consider a child’s age, health,  personality and developmental stage. It’s also important to consider how your child is  spending their screentime. Are they connecting with friends and family, learning a new  hobby or playing games? Are they spending hours watching videos and posting to  social media? 

During the holidays, a little creativity can go a long way to provide screen-free  alternatives and balance. Here are some ideas: 

— Taking a family walk can be a great way to take in the fresh air and exercise. 

— Go on a lights tour: Gather the family on bikes, scooters, skateboards (with helmets) or on foot for a tour of your neighborhood’s holiday lights. If there are no lights near you, hop in the car and head to downtown Macon’s holiday light display or to another neighborhood. 

— Make meal preparation a family activity. Invite your teen to participate in  picking the menu and helping out in the kitchen. 

When the holiday decorations are all packed up, continue to be mindful of how much  screentime your child has as they transition back to school. Resolve to try just a few of  these suggestions to help your adolescent make the shift to reduced screen time during the school year: 

— Keep bedrooms free of televisions and computers. 

— Eat meals and do homework away from the television. 

— Use a radio or audio app for background noise rather than the television.

— Take note of your own screen time habits and  make sure you set a good example. 

— Be intentional about what programs you want your children to watch on television and stick to it.

Many families find it challenging to reduce screen time, but your commitment to introducing screen-free activities helps create a healthier community and a brighter year for our adolescents. 

Dr. Paritosh Kaul is an adolescent medicine physician at Atrium Health Navicent.