Ask the Experts: Healthy Habits: Fostering Physical Health in a Digital World

While keeping us connected, digital media, when used in unhealthy ways, are contributing to a number of physical health concerns for young people, including a rise in obesity. On September 22nd, Children and Screens hosted “Healthy Habits: Fostering Physical Health in a Digital World,” where a panel of interdisciplinary experts discussed how to encourage children and adolescents to remain physically active in a technology-dominated environment, as well as how parents can be proactive about fostering healthy eating and exercise habits.

[2:54] Moderator Cori Cross, MD, pediatrician and co-founder of ‘Fit to Play and Learn Obesity Curriculum,’ kicks off the webinar with an overview of the myriad of ways the pandemic has impacted children’s screen time and exercise habits. She sets the stage for the other panelists to share how families can work together to reestablish healthy habits moving forward.

[8:49] Erica Kenney, ScD, MPH, reflects on three key pathways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle: physical activity, sleep, and dietary intake/nutrition. She highlights that unhealthy eating habits such as distracted eating in front of a screen and mouth-watering food advertisements have become normalized in the United States, which has contributed to an increase in obesity and public health concerns. Dr. Kenney invites parents to be proactive by setting time limits on certain devices, subscribing to streaming services that do not include advertisements, and teaching children about product placement and its influence.

[23:30] Reiterating Dr. Kenney’s concerns about screen time and weight, Jason Nagata, MD, refers to his recent research finding that each additional hour per day spent using digital media can contribute to increased body mass index. He also reports that each additional hour of screen time correlates with a high likelihood of developing an eating disorder. Dr. Nagata shares information about leveraging screen time to promote physical health and positive body image.

[34:28] Encouraging parents to implement routines with their children, Laura Bellows, PhD, recommends carving out time for screens, engaging with your child when they are using screens as well as structured, screen-free activities. Dr. Bellows highlights that meal time can be an opportunity for caregivers to learn more about their children and reflect on their daily activities, with the added benefit of not eating in a distracted manner in front of a screen.

[48:14] Alluding to Dr. Nagata’s point about exergaming and physical activity, Amy Lu, PhD, elaborates on the differences between physically active screen time and physically inactive screen time. Dr. Lu touches on the many benefits of utilizing screen time for physical activity, such as keeping children active and occupied and encouraging their future participation in actual sports. However, she also emphasizes that active screen time should not replace physical activity completely, and encourages parents to partake in physical activity with their children to make it more enjoyable and fun!

[1:00:10] The final panelist, Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE, provides tips and tricks to create a positive food environment for kids. She recommends meal prepping, serving vegetables as appetizers, and to be persistent. Halas reminds parents that developing healthy habits for food will take time, and that meal times do not have to be extravagant; instead, they can be fun and a great bonding experience for parents and children.

[1:12:17] Dr. Cross leads a discussion, during which panelists answer questions about meal prepping when parents have little time and few resources, setting routines when children are struggling with their mental health, and the importance of setting limits as parents.

To learn more about Children and Screens, visit our website: www.childrenandscreens.com

Follow Children and Screens on social media!
Instagram: @childrenandscreens
Facebook: Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development
Twitter: @childrenscreens