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Screen time

Screen time (TV, computers, video games and cell phones) has become one of the most dominant forces in young people's lives. Pediatricians recommend limiting screen time to 2 hours a day for school-aged kids and no TV for children in their early years.

The facts

Canadian kids accumulate 6 hours of screen time on weekdays and over 7 hours on weekend days.

-WHO, Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children

For every hour of screen time children and youth accumulate, they spend 20 minutes less time being physically active.

- Tell Them From Me Study, UNB

 In 1971, the average child began watching TV at the age of 4; today the average is 5 months. More than 90% of kids begin watching TV before the age of 2, despite recommendations to the contrary.

-Active Healthy Kids Canada

Take action

   
Boy on log Hands tied  Kid watching TV

Find out how much time your kids spend in front of a screen.

Download a screen time log.

Make a pledge to keep TVs out of bedrooms, set screen time limits and create opportunities for physical activity.

Get tips for reducing screen time

Turn it Off and Take it Outside! Swap 30 minutes of screen time for 30 minutes of fun physical activity.

Download our Active Vacation Guide

Download our Active Toy Guide

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