Studies have shown Kiwi children were in front of screens for 23 minutes of every hour outside school time , with experts tying excessive screentime with less physical activity and obesity risk . Cellphone bans in schools , Australia barring under 16s from social media , and a US surgeon general pushing for warning labels on sites highlight widespread concern. With parents looking to keep kids busy during the holiday break - and minimise screentime - Young and Healthy Charitable Trust founder and mum Kim Harvey shares her advice.
Parents across New Zealand ask themselves time and time again: How do I stop my young ones from sitting on a device all day and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle come the school holidays? A study from Otago University last year revealed that, on average, Kiwi children were in front of screens for 23 minutes of every hour outside school time. High rates of screen time also raised health concerns because they displaced activities like active play and sleep. But the school holidays can be a great time for the whole family to introduce new healthy habits and activities.
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