This Easter the children will spend more time with their mobile phones than playing
The Easter holidays arrive, a time when children rest from their tasks, without forgetting a brief review. Many options are proposed for this time, the most advisable to take advantage of these free moments and go out to the street to to play Together with friends while exercising. However, this will not be the case.
The arrival of new technologies and their imposition as a form of leisure has supplanted other ways of having more healthy and traditional fun like going out on the street. In fact a study conducted by the sports consultancy Ertheo indicates that this Easter the children of Spain will spend much more time in front of the screens of their smartphones
More mobile than exercise
According to the data that exposes ErtheoNearly 60% of children under the age of 6 use smartphones 30 minutes or more each day. What leaves a minimum of three and a half hours a week, data that exceeds the amount of exercise that children of these ages spend.
In fact, children under 6 in Spain perform less than 4 hours weekly exercise. As they grow, young people invest even more time in their smartphones. 27% of young people under 17 spend more than two hours a day on their screens, of which 10% use more than 4 hours.
The problem is aggravated when the time of break like Holy Week where, with fewer occupations, these hours are filled with smartphones: talking with friends through instant messaging applications, watching videos or engaging in games. All these activities supplement other moments of free time that should be the occupation of young people at this time.
Encourage exercise
Holy Week is a holiday period that should be harnessed to do more exercise. The occupations of the rest of the year mean that the little ones do not move as much as they should. Physical activity is very important for child development. Here are some tips with which to encourage these practices:
1. No to sedentary lifestyle. Any type of daily activity is better than the sedentary option. Walk, use the bicycle and climb the stairs. Ensures study and learning time. Limit the time in front of the television and other electronic devices.
2. Fun and game. Group, fun and outdoor activities are preferable.
Security. The physical environment must be adequate and without dangers. Pay attention to the safety rules for practicing sports.
3. AAdapted to health conditions. Physical activity adapted to each health situation improves globally the health status and evolution of children with chronic disease and disability.
4. Question of habits. The practice of physical exercise should be a healthy habit from childhood. Habits are easily maintained over time and missed when they are missing.
5. Priority activity. Incorporate physical exercise between your child's daily activities. Take advantage of extracurricular activities and invest in your health.
6. Incorporates sport to family routine. Give example Do physical exercise and plan family activities if you want your child to be active.
7. Hydration. It ensures the supply of liquids, especially when the activity is intense and the environment is warm.
8. Help maintain a Variety feeding and balanced. Fundamental pillar for health along with physical activity.
9. Improve discipline. The benefits of sport require continuity and maintaining the habit regularly helps children educate their own discipline.
10. Increase strength and energy. Sports practice also develops muscle strength, endurance and contributes to having more energy to perform any activity. All this increases the children's self-esteem and self-confidence.
Damián Montero
