HOW TECHNOLOGY LEADS TO LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HOW IT IS

AFFECTING OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Problems on Well-Being

Technology and Children

A generation dedicated to technology10 year olds can do fewer sit-upsLess able to hang from bars in a gymArm strength has declinedChildren in this generation are becoming

weaker, with decreased muscular abilities, and unable to do physical activities that previous generations were able to do.

Technology and Children

Children rely on technology for majority of their play

With more technology uses in children, the limited creativity and imagination is shown

Limited challenges to their bodies to achieve optimal sensory and motor development

Children struggle with attention skills necessary for learning, later becoming behavior management problems

Facts about kids using technology

38% of children under 2 have used mobile device for playing games / watching videos

45% of parents with children aged 2-3 plan to purchase devices for their kids to read ebooks

78% of teenagers, ages 12-17 have a cellphone and 23% have a tablet

93% of teenagers have a computer or access to one

41% of the generation spends 3+ hours a day on computers for non related activities

Technology and Children’s Health because of Lack of Physical Activity

Child obesity and diabetes are now epidemics in both Canada and the U.S.

Diagnoses in ADHD, autism, coordination, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders

All of these health issues are directly related to technology overuse

Benefits of Physical Activity

Important part of health living at any age, essentially for children

Physical Activity helps children:Develop cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility,

and bone densityMaintain healthy body weight Reduce the risk of chronic disease and health

problemsLessen likelihood of tobacco, alcohol, drug useImproved mental health and well-being

Technology and Children’s Physical Activity

Dr Gavin Sandercock Chidren’s fitness expert at Essex University

Study showed how strong 315 Essex 10 year olds in 2008 were compared to the same age from 1998

Results:Arm strengh fell by 26% and grip strength by 7%The number of sit-ups 10 year olds can do

declined by 27% during 1998 and 20081 in 20 children could not hold their own weight

in 1998, 1 in 10 could not in 2008

More Use of Technology with Less Physical Activity Leads to Obesity

Study states that obesity is on the rise not from only food, but also from increase of use of technology and less exercise

Pediatricians say severe obesity is increasing among young people

Technology includes cars, television, computers, and mobile devices

The amount of time children spend sedentary means an increase in physical inactivity

How much physical activity is enough?

Recommended that youth get atleast 60 minutes a day of moderate – physical activity

Can increase your childs physical activity by just 5 or 10 minutes every few weeks

Eventually will add up to 60 minutes Spend less time on stationary activities (TV,

computer, Ipad)

How to Encourage Physical Activity

Encourage children to walk or ride bikes to school

Schedule active times for children after school

Set a positive example by being a active family

Praise your children for being activeCombine periods of moderate activity

(walking) with vigorous activity (running)

Physical Activity and Children

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbEeaBULvys

Technology and Children

Four critical factors to achieve healthy child development:

MovementTouchHuman ConnectionExposure to Nature

Technology and Children

Technology is having a devastating effect on the future generations health

Not only health, but psychological, behavioral, and also their ability to learn and sustain personal and family relationship

Rather than hugging, playing, and conversing with children, parents are resorting to providing their children children with more TV, video games, cell phones etc.

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological perspective that emphasizes that human behavior is influenced by definitions and meanings that are created and maintained through symbolic interaction with others

Children will become more aware of how important physical activity is by interaction with other active kids/ adults. If they hangout with kids that play video games they will think that is ok and consider it “physical activity” rather than playing soccer or another sport with other kids

References

Campbell, D. (2011). Children growing weaker as computers replace outdoor activity. Retrieved March 30, 2016, from http://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/may/21/children-weaker-computers-replace-activity

Children and physical activity. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2016, from http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/being-active-etre-actif/tips-conseils-eng.php

THE COLD HARD FACTS ABOUT KIDS USING TECHNOLOGY AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT - Ryan Jenkins - Speaker, Trainer & Author. (2014). Retrieved March 30, 2016, from http://ryan-jenkins.com/2014/12/18/the-cold-hard-facts-about-kids-using-technology-and-what-to-do-about-it/

Technology Blamed for Children's Lack of Exercise. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2016, from http://www.parenting.com/blogs/screen-play/jeana-lee-tahnk/technology-blamed-children-s-lack-exercise

The Four Negative Sides of Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2016, from http://www.edudemic.com/the-4-negative-side-effects-of-technology/