Parents of teenagers are seldom surprised by a lack of physical activity among their children. They are intimately familiar with the fact that their teens spend countless hours staring at their screens, playing video games, and watching television. They know that getting outside and engaging in vigorous exercise is not the norm. So if parents know, why doesn't anything change from year to year?
There are many things about teens and exercise we parents should know instinctively. Among those of us who do know the deal, there is an obligation to limit screen time and encourage kids to exercise. Doing so ultimately benefits them in the long run. Not encouraging them to exercise does not help them learn to lead healthy and productive lives.
Poor Exercise and Sleep Habits
There aren't a lot of first aid bags being sold to local organisations offering athletic opportunities for teenagers. It is not that first aid bags are not needed, it's just that organised sports for kids aren't nearly as popular as they once were. Teenagers just aren't getting out there and exercising the way they used to before the advent of the internet.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics in August 2019 clearly shows that kids aren't getting enough exercise or sleep. Data from nearly 3900 adolescents showed that just under 10% meet all of the recommended guidelines for daily exercise, sleep, and screen time.
More than 75% of the teenagers studied were found to spend more than two hours a day in front of their screens. Just 23% acknowledged spending two hours or less interacting with their devices. Furthermore, only 41% of the teenagers acknowledged participating in regular exercise.
The most important aspect of the study is causation. The data clearly shows that screen time is the number one cause of kids not getting enough sleep or exercise. They are spending too much time streaming videos, interacting with social media, chatting, and so forth.
Head Down and Tuned Out
We parents should know instinctively that our teenagers are absorbed by their screens when their heads are constantly down and their minds are tuned out to what is going on around them. How many of us stare off into space, wishing we could have a conversation with a teenager who cannot seem to lift his/her face from the smartphone?
It is both sad and alarming simultaneously. Not only is screen time robbing our kids of sleep and exercise, it is also robbing families of quality social interactions. Parents and teens have always had trouble communicating, but modern screens have only exacerbated things.
So what is the solution? The most drastic course of action is to take away the phones. As ridiculous as that sounds, there was life before the smartphone. Those of us who were teenagers back in the day remember quite well what it was like. We managed just fine. Moreover, we didn't feel bad about the fact that we weren't always in touch.
Today's youth - and adults for that matter - could stand to set down their phones. We could all get rid of our phones if we really wanted to. And guess what? Life would continue marching on as it always has. As to whether or not getting rid of the smartphone is likely to happen on a large scale, don't hold your breath. The cat is out of the bag and not likely to go back in.
Daily Recommendations for Teens
Perhaps after reading this post you are a bit more motivated to reduce your teen's screen time in hopes of increasing physical exercise and sleep. If so, you're in luck. The NHS has published activity guidelines you can take advantage of. You will find the guidelines on their website.
According to the NHS, children between the ages of five and 18 should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This is moderate activity like riding a bicycle or playing on the playground. Physical activity should be strenuous at least three days per week.
The NHS also recommends eight hours of sleep per night at a minimum. Screen time should be limited to no more than two hours per day, and that's on the high side.
Note that the previously mentioned study found that teenagers who met the guidelines for all three types of activity were less likely to exhibit symptoms of depression. They were also less likely to be overweight. Both are things we should also know instinctively as well. Getting enough exercise and sleep is healthy for mind and body.
So, how are your teenagers doing? How are you doing? It goes without saying that the human body needs both exercise and sleep. If you and your kids are not getting enough of either, it is never too late to change things. Put down your phone and go do something physical. When it's time for bed, shut your phone completely off and go to sleep.
