Reduce screen time

For many of us, limiting our computer usage and getting away from all screens can be a challenge. That means television (TV) screens, computer monitors, and even the handheld devices we use for checking email, listening to music, watching TV, and playing video games on the go.

Health experts say screen time at home should be limited to two hours or less a day, unless it’s work- or homework-related. The time we spend in front of the screen could be better spent being more physically active (increasing our ENERGY OUT), and setting a good example for our families.

When it comes to kids—parents and caregivers should not only set a good example, they need to set rules that limit kids’ computer time, TV watching, and video game playing to reduce how much time is spent in front of a screen. Research by the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation shows that when parents set rules AND enforce them, TV-watching time drops by two hours a day.

Unfortunately, the same study also reveals that setting and enforcing rules is a challenge for many parents/caregivers:

• 53 percent of all 8- to 18-year-olds said their parents didn’t set TV-watching rules
• 46 percent said they have rules but less than half (20 percent) say they’re enforced

Other Screen-Time Statistics
Source: Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, "Generation M: Media in the Lives of 8–18 Year Olds” 2005 Survey)

• Nearly one-third of 8- to 18-year-olds have computers in their bedrooms
• Two-thirds have TVs and video game players in their bedrooms
• Those with bedroom TVs spend almost 1½ hours (or more) in front of the screen than those without TVs
• Every day, on average, 8- to 18-year-olds spend about:
  Four hours watching TV, DVDs, etc.
  Over one hour on the computer
  Fifty minutes playing video games

Screen Time Reduction Tools

The following tools may help you and your family reduce your screen time and increase your ENERGY OUT. For more information, visit the Tips to Reduce Screen Time page .

• We Can! Reduce Children's Screen Time Log (230 KB): Use this resource to track how much time your children spend watching TV, playing video games, or sitting in front of a computer monitor.

Stories you can share with family, friends, and/or your local media:

More Screen Time Equals Less Activity Time | PDF (152 KB)
Less TV, Fewer Videos Help Keep Weight In Check | PDF (684 KB)
Menos TV y Videos Ayudan a Mantener el Peso (Spanish) | PDF (680 KB)
An audio news release about “Reducing Screen Time” that was broadcast on the radio: MP3 (1 MB)