WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO?
Set limits
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests:
• No screen time for children age two years and under
• No more than one hour of total screen time per
day for children ages 3 to 12 years
Parents can set rules and limit their child’s access
to electronic media. Tally the screen time and physical
activities that are normal at your child’s home, child
care, school, and community events.
• Limit computer usage in a child’s room
• Do not allow a TV in a child’s room
• Do not allow media use during homework
and meal times
• Promote physical activities
• Regularly eat family meals together
• Set a regular bedtime for your child
• Limit screen time for all family members
• Be a good role model for your child
Get out and about
All children should get at least 60 minutes of
moderate or intense aerobic physical activity each day.
Exercise can:
• lower blood pressure
• increase bone strength
• improve mood
• reduce depression
• lessen stress
• reduce weightIowa State Extension
