As families prepare for the school year, Grand Erie Public Health is reminding parents that healthy screen habits and safe ways of getting to school can be part of the back-to-school routine.
Public health nurse Emily Smolarz says recreational screen time can add up quickly between television, social media, messaging and video games. For children and teens aged five to 17, the recommendation is a maximum of two hours of recreational screen time each day.
She acknowledges that cutting back can be difficult, particularly after summer vacation. Taking breaks and finding ways to mix technology with movement can help. Games such as Pokémon Go, for example, can get children walking while still using a device.
Smolarz is also encouraging active transportation as students head back to class. Walking, biking, using a scooter or other forms of active travel can build movement into the day.
Trying more than one route can also help children adapt if construction or another obstacle blocks their path. Smolarz says families can make those practice trips enjoyable by exploring their neighbourhood together and talking about what they notice along the way.
Written by Jeremy Hall
