Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Grey Bruce Health Unit
Turn Off the Screens 14th Year
The results are in for the 14th annual Turn Off The Screens challenge. During the week of May 2 to May, students were encouraged to be more active by turning off the television, video games and computers and playing outside. Many students accumulated as many as 30 hours of physical activity during the week while others managed to remain screen free the entire time.
The following schools finished in the top three for overall participation rates:
- Sullivan Community School in Desboro
- Dundalk and Proton Community School
- Elgin Market Public School in Kincardine
According to the 2015 Physical Activity Report Card, Canadian children received identical grades of D- when rating both physical activity and sedentary behaviour. The report indicated that only 9% of 5-17 year olds are meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines of at least one hour per day. Additionally, 76% of those aged 5-17 exceed the recommended sedentary behaviour guidelines of less than 2 hours of screen time per day.
Parents can be good role models for their children by following these strategies:
- Limit television and video game time to 1 hour per day
- Remove televisions from children's bedrooms
- Eat meals together as a family with the television turned off
Media Contact:
Jason Weppler
Health Promoter
Grey Bruce Health Unit
1-800-263-3456 or 519-376-9420 ext 1408
j.weppler@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
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