Does Your Child Need a Digital Detox?

We live in a world where we are immersed in digital media and technology 24/7.

According to the 2025 Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Zero to Eight, 40% of children have a tablet by age 2, and nearly 1 in 4 have a personal cellphone by age 8.

It is now estimated that children ages 8-18 years spend on average 7.5 hours each day in front of a screen for entertainment.

Put into perspective, that adds up to 114 full days of screen time every year – and that’s not including hours spent in front of a screen for educational needs or homework.

Health Issues Related to Too Much Screen Time

Doctors have linked excessive screen time to an increase in risk for metabolic syndrome – a combination of conditions that up your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Additionally, children who spend too much time in front of a screen have been found to suffer poorer sleep quality, reduced reading rates and decreased social skills.

Experts recommend parents significantly limit the hours their kids spend in front of electronics, including computers, phones, tablets, video games and TV.

Just one hour of play each day can help keep a slew of health diseases away!

Aim for 60 Minutes of Movement

Instead of sitting sedentary in front of a screen, kids can engage in physical and social activities.

Experts advise children 6 years and older should be active for at least 60 minutes a day.

An hour of play may seem daunting, but every little bit counts – and can add up fast!

Playtime can be broken up across several activities over the course of the day, such as walking to and from school, playground time, chores and play activities to total one hour a day.

Being active is essential in leading a healthy life and yields many benefits, including the following:

Stronger bones and joints
Greater muscle strength
A decrease in body fat
Improved flexibility
A healthier heart, reducing the risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure
Reduced risk of developing diabetes
More energy
A greater ability to handle stress
Improvements in self-confidence and self-esteem
Opportunities to make new friends
Better concentration at school

Kids now spend an average of 7.5 hours every day in front of some sort of screen. Instead, they could play a game of basketball and still have time to walk the dog, dance to their favorite songs and ride their bike!

Kid-Friendly Screen-Free Activities

As a parent, there are a number of ways you can help your kids engage in physical activities.

Schedule activity among other plans. It’s easy to skip exercise if it's not pre-planned.
Be a role model. Children are more likely to be active when they see their parents being active as well.
Get the entire family involved. Children also tend to participate in activities with other family members rather than going solo.
Limit screen time to 1-2 hours per day. This includes TV, video games, tablets, cellphones and computers.
Find a fun activity Being active doesn't mean having to join an organized sport. Children also can enjoy riding bicycles, swimming, hiking, playing tag and dancing.

Remember: Make physical activity an integral part of a child’s life. By helping your children start regular activity at a young age, they are more likely to keep their healthy habits as they become adults.

Published on: July 21, 2025