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Screen Time vs Green Time: The Health Impacts of too much Screen Time
We have seen a dramatic shift in the way children spend their time, with less time playing outside and more time spent indoors, sedentary and screen-based. Excessive screen time is having negative health impacts on Canadian children.
- 87% of pre-school children and 85% of school-aged children do not meet the guidelines for adequate sleep, physical activity and screen time;
- Students in grades 7 to 12 are spending up to 7 hours a day on screens, more than three and a half times the recommended limit of 2 hours per day;
- Higher durations of screen time were linked with poorer behavioural conduct and lower self-esteem;
- Time spent in nature and being active outdoors is beneficial to children’s health and overall well being, and helps improve their resiliency, academic performance and social skills; and
- With less time spent outside in nature, children are losing opportunities to learn, explore, discover and understand our natural environment.
Learn more about the health impacts of too much screen time and the benefits of time in nature.
Tips for parents to reduce screen time and get into nature
Excessive screen time is an emerging public health issue, particularly amongst kids, and navigating a healthier relationship between kids and screens can be a challenge. Spending more time outdoors in nature is a great way to connect as a family, get moving and reap the health benefits;
Download Nature Canada’s Tip Sheet and discover ways to disconnect from screens and connect with nature, family and friends.
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“Thank you Nature Canada for recognizing the importance of getting away from your screen and getting outside. Nature is right there in your neighbourhood, so turn off your screen and go outside to explore where you live and learn about the animals that live there with you”. – Richard Louv, Author, Last Child in the Woods
Spread the word
Help spread the word on the health impacts of too much screen time.
