I Move We Move - Good For Kids - NSW Government

2.21
What can I do to help my children have less small screen recreation time?
The next time you switch on the TV, computer or games console for your child, stop and think. Is it
daytime or night?
Could they do this when it is dark, when it’s not possible for them to be outside playing?
You could try:
• Setting a limit for time spent sitting still in front of ‘small screens’ such as the television or
computer. The recommended limit for small screen time is 1 hour per day for children aged 2
to 5 years and none for children less than 2 years old
• Helping your children choose how they will spend their small screen recreation time. Will it be all
spent on watching TV or split up between TV, computer and electronic games?
• Being choosy about what TV programs your children watch and when – leave the TV off
unless there is a specific program that your child wants to watch, then turn the TV off once
it is finished or record it and let your child watch it at a more suitable time
• Keeping TV’s and computers out of your child’s bedroom – if they are in a common area
of the house you can monitor use and save money. More computers and TVs means higher
electricity bills
• Finding active indoor and outdoor alternatives for your children at the times when they are
more likely to watch TV or play on the computer. Your children may enjoy helping you with
everyday tasks if you make a game of it e.g. involve them in sorting the washing “Can you
find two red socks?” “See if you can throw these socks into the washing basket like me”.
Put on some music to dance to. Play action games or sing songs with actions. Build an
indoor cubby house or obstacle course – crawl under chairs, roll over pillows etc. Encourage
active play in the backyard
I Move We Move, The Guide Edition 1 August 2009
AREA HEALTH SERVICE