Health & Fitness
Growing Youth Dependence on Technology: “Plugged In” Culture Replacing Physical Culture
Americans aged 8 to 18 were found to spend more time with media – TV, internet, video games, etc. – than they did at school, with a whopping 7.5 hours a day devoted to media.
Children all over the US have returned to school this week, leaving houses empty for perhaps the first time since summer began. Recent research indicates that the number of children who remain indoors and “plugged in” to technology has been growing substantially at the expense of physical activity and free play.
The Pew Internet and American Life Project found that 93 percent of American adolescents use the internet, with 73 percent having a Facebook account. These values have increased significantly from previous years, as has ownership of cell phones.
“It is scary that children are no longer getting outside, exploring their neighborhoods or physically playing with others. This is a key link in the chain of childhood obesity,” reported Bobby Kenney of the International Youth Conditioning Association.
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A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation lays bare the extent of the issue. Americans aged 8 to 18 were found to spend more time with media – TV, internet, video games, etc. – than they did at school, with a whopping 7.5 hours a day devoted to media.
That is a lot of time spent indoors.
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As the owner and head coach of the local youth fitness organization Athletic Revolution Metro West, and a physical education teacher at Fales Elementary School, I strongly believe that in order to improve the health of our children, we need to reestablish a physical culture in today's youth. Effective, immediately.
Inactivity is linked to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and depression in youth. We need to teach children that physical activity is not only fun, but also a great way to make friends. And if kids are having fun, they are going to want to keep moving.
Empowering Excellence for Life,
Pew Internet and American Life Project:
http://pewinternet.org/Commentary/2011/July/Teen-Data-Resources.aspx
Kaiser Family Foundation: http://www.kff.org/entmedia/mh012010pkg.cfm
