Did you know that children in the UK spend an average of 5+ hours a day on screens outside of school? It’s an uncomfortable read, but sadly many of us rely on screens to help us juggle work and family life, and of course that’s before the great British weather puts a damper on any outdoor fun too!
There is no denying that screen time can be useful; long plane journeys are made a lot easier and some of the shows and games available can be educational too- thanks Miss Rachel! However, increased screen time comes at a cost. Studies show screen time has a negative impact on physical fitness, mood, sleep and social development.
January is the time that many of us set health and fitness goals, so why not include the whole family and set out for 2025 to be the year for helping your kids ditch the tablet and embrace the joys of active play, outdoor adventures and fun-filled sports that keep everyone moving together?
What Is the Cost of Screen Time?
We know screen time is on the rise and physical activity levels are falling. We now have solid data that proves excessive screen use is linked with a host of worrying consequences including, but not limited to, reduced physical activity levels, increased rates of obesity, eye strain, poor posture, amplified anxiety, disturbed sleep, reduced cognitive functions and behavioural issues.
Life is about balance, and that includes screen time. Screens aren’t going to disappear- they are a part of modern life, however when speaking to parents, the desire seems to be for more intentional and planned screen time rather than children simply sitting in front of a screen to pass time by.
Why Switch Screens for Sports?
Active play and sports have a host of physical benefits including improved motor skills and stamina, enhanced well-being and confidence, and improved teamwork and social skills. Sport is a great alternative to screens, so here is our tried and tested advice on how to switch from screens to sports.
1. Lead By Example
Kids mirror our actions so avoid using your devices in front of them. It’s surprising how often you pick up your screen to doom scroll- out of sight is out of mind. If you’re not active yourself yet, start moving this year and set a good example.
2. Plan Active Family Time
Get your kids involved! How do they want to spend the weekend? Swimming, mini golf, bike rides, adventure trails, a visit to the skateboard park, trampolining centres, the options are endless! Let them help plan and reduce the mental load.
3. Utilise School Offerings
Many primary schools offer extracurricular activities, and the very best ones use us! Speak to your child’s school to see what they offer; this could be breakfast and after school clubs, as well as holiday clubs or sports teams.
4. Track and Time
Plan how long you feel comfortable with allowing your child to watch TV or use the iPad, and then set a timer. Once the time is out, viewing is over. There are apps and settings to help with this, for example, Apple’s Screen Time feature lets you set limits on app usage and schedule downtime. They also have the Guided Access feature which locks the iPad to a single app and allows you to set a time limit.
5. Think Outside of the Box
The cold weather can sometimes stand as a barrier to keeping us all active, but the good news is- there’s indoor sports too! Discover our blog with 10 indoor sports ideas:
6. No Such Thing as Bad Weather
As the saying goes, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!’ Acquiring some good waterproof and warm outdoor clothes will prevent bad weather from being an excuse to getting outside and moving this winter.
Let’s make 2025 the year we swap screens for sports. Whether it be ditching tablets for tennis or iPads for ice skating, lets consciously create healthier, happier kids!