Too Much Screen Time?
A recent study suggests elementary school-aged children’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes may be affected by large amounts of screen time.
The paper, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, surveyed about 4500 children between nine and ten years of age and measured various health markers like height to weight ratio, fat index, skinfold thickness, and insulin resistance– all of which are markers for type 2 diabetes. The children were also asked about how much time they spent on electronic devices. Those who averaged three hours of screen time per day (or more) scored significantly higher on type 2 diabetes than those who spent an hour per day or less in front of a screen.
For the digital generation– our children and grandchildren– developing moderate internet habits is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. For children genetically predisposed to certain health conditions, balancing screens and off-line fun could minimize their health risks. Understanding the relationship between lifestyle and health will help parents prepare children to be successful adults in every way.
Struggling to balance screen time and family time? Clean Router can put your family’s internet on a schedule!
