Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14, every year, marking the birth anniversary of the nation’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was fondly called as ”Chacha Nehru” for his love for children. This day marks children’s rights, education and overall well-being.
Why it’s important to teach children about physical activity and avoid screen time?
Nowadays, monitoring children’s screen time can be quite challenging. While screen time can be educational and support children’s social development, teaching children about physical activity and limiting screen time can foster lifelong healthy habits.
In this edition, Dr Maithili Tambe, CEO, The Academy School(TAS), Pune shares her views with India TV about the importance of teaching physical activity and avoiding screen time.
She says, “In today’s digital age, where screens often dominate children’s attention through video games, smartphones, and tablets, many children miss the invaluable benefits that come from outdoor play and physical exercise. Teaching children the importance of physical activity not only enhances their physical health, reducing the risk of obesity but also cultivates vital social skills, teamwork and emotional resilience through interactive play.”
”Engaging in sports or outdoor activities improves cognitive function and mental health, providing a natural counterbalance to the stimulating, yet isolating, effects of prolonged screen exposure. Celebrating Children’s Day by promoting these values serves as a reminder of our responsibility to guide the next generation toward a balanced, active lifestyle that fosters both health and happiness”, she added.
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What are the benefits of adding physical activities to your daily routine?
Adding physical activities to children’s daily routine would not only limit their screen time but will also help in developing strong bones and muscles, improve cardiorespiratory fitness, and control weight.
Tips to avoid screen time
Below are some times for limiting screening time.
- Set limits on screen time – Parents should set limits on their screen time. They should make a rule that children may have no more than 2 hours a day of screen time.
- Minimise the influence of TV in the house: Parents are advised not to put a TV or computer in their bedrooms. This tends to physically isolate family members and decrease interaction.
- Provide other options and alternatives: Watching TV can become a habit for your child. To avoid their screen time, you should give them other alternatives to spend their time such as playing outside, learning a hobby or sport, or spending time with family and friends.
- Don’t use TV to reward or punish a child: Practices like this make TV seem even more important to children.
- Make meal time, and family time: Turn off the TV during the family eating time. Research has shown that family who eat together tend to eat more nutritious meals than families who eat separately.
- Set a good example: You need to be a good role model and also limit your screen time to no more than 2 hours per day. If your kids see you following your own rules, then they will be more likely to follow.
