Our children are overweight and statistics show there is no indication of a reversal of this trend on the horizon. The number of children who are overweight has doubled over the past three decades. Further, the situation is in danger of becoming worse because many of the habits which are contributing to childhood obesity are becoming a more pronounced in the lifestyle of many of our kids.
In view of these trends, the American Academy of Pediatricians is proposing a change in the types of commercials that are shown on TV and other media outlets during programs that are geared toward children. They point to two negative effects of advertising of junk food as it is currently presented:
1. The use of electronic devices by our children for entertainment and study exposes them to thousands of ads for junk foods every year. The ads for these food items are often promoted by popular appearing, attractive, and well dressed youngsters in settings that imply that this is what the "cool kids" are eating. One study found that 98% of the commercials children see during top-rated programs are for junk food.
2. The ever-increasing hours that children are using electronic devices makes them susceptible to overweight because they are "using the computer" (or whatever) instead of engaging in physical exercise.
Statistics indicate that children spend an average of seven hours per day using one kind of electronic device or another...TV, computer, cell phone, games, texting. This has several potential "side effects":
• Overexposure to fat and sugar-laden, unhealthful snacks
• Excessive snacking (mindless eating)
• Munching on the wrong kinds of foods
• Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages
Pediatricians recommend that parents who are worried about their child's weight consider the effect of excessive "screen time". If children have a TV or internet connection in their room they are especially prone to inadequate physical exercise, excessive food consumption, and consequent obesity. In fact, the risk of becoming overweight is several times greater for the child who watches five hours of TV per day compared to those who have less than two hours of daily screen time.
Parents need to be in charge of what goes on in their homes. Child psychologists recommend the following approaches:
• Watch programs with your children and comment as you see fit.
• No TV, computer, or cell phone usage during family meals and during study time. (If they claim the computer is needed for homework, monitor them.)
• Investigate the programs your child is watching for age-appropriateness. (They can watch the same things during the day that you have the option to watch after hours.)
• Determine how much screen time your child will have in a day. Allow him to have input into which programs and times that will include. You make the final decision.
You wouldn't neglect your child's immunization schedule or his teeth. Don't turn a blind eye to this significant factor affecting his or her weight either.
Stop drinking sugary pop today! Your child be on his way to the ideal weight!
By Sue Bristol, R.N.
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