2 Limit screen time to less than 2 hours per day.
Take home message:
- Too much screen time (TV, video games, computer, cell phones) does more than keep us on the couch- it actually makes us unhealthy!
- Tracking and planning are key to keeping screen time to less than 2 hours a day
FIT Kit 2 contents:
· FIT Kit 2 Handout (pdf)
o Screen Time Tracker (pdf): give to families to track how much screen time they are getting
o Family Games Handout (pdf): what to do instead of screen time
o Screen Time Log (pdf)
· Screen Time Quiz
o Print out the Screen Time Quiz covers and questions (pdf1 , pdf2)
o Cut out and glue/tape to 4 x 6 index cards (6 total)- covers on front, question/answer on back
o Ask families questions and see how many they get right!
o Discuss the Brenner FIT Tips with the family (below answer on the card)
· Consider small token reward for every question answered right
o Stickers
o YMCA pass- call your local YMCA and ask about promotions
o Water bottles
o Jump ropes, Frisbees-many inexpensive, active games can be found at a local dollar store
Additional Resources
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/cdic/copi/copiforms/tvtool.htm#
Do More, Watch Less- A great PDF file in English and Spanish from the California Obesity Prevention initiative. Discusses ways to decrease screen time and promote activity in teenagers.
http://www.familysafemedia.com/
offers a number of TV time management tools to help children manage screen time
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/parent_tips/selling-to-kids.php
great guide to discuss media advertising with your kids
http://parenting.ivillage.com/tp/tpactivities/0,,44pp,00.html
list of 101 TV free activities to do with your family