The prevalence of technology in children’s lives has dramatically altered how they engage with the world, with the extent to which children have become “tech-tethered” in their daily routines becoming a growing concern amongst parents and families. Children are increasingly glued to screens, spending hours each day on activities that require little to no physical movement. What used to be time spent outdoors, playing with friends, or engaging in active games, has been replaced by sitting in front of tablets, smartphones, or gaming consoles.
Many children are lacking the level of mobility and development of motor skills recommended by healthcare professionals, even putting them at a higher risk for obesity (Subrahmanyam et al., 2000). The World Health Organization recommends that children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily (WHO, 2020). However, with the rise of sedentary screen-based entertainment, many children are falling far short of this goal. The consequences are not limited to weight gain; inactivity is also associated with poorer cardiovascular health, weaker muscles, and even cognitive development issues (Janssen & LeBlanc, 2010).
The switch to online-focused education and interactions, propagated by the COVID-19 lockdowns, has only worsened this trend. Beyond the health impacts, constant technology use is detrimental to the quality of social interactions and the strength of familial bonds.
Children who spend the majority of their time interacting with screens rather than people miss out on crucial social experiences that help develop emotional intelligence and communication skills. Family time, once filled with conversations, shared activities, and play, is increasingly replaced by isolated screen time where each member is focused on their own device. While these measures were necessary to maintain a sense of normalcy, they also inadvertently deepened children’s dependence on screens.
To counteract this growing “tech-tethered” lifestyle, parents and guardians must actively encourage more movement and face-to-face interactions. One solution is to create an environment at home that promotes physical activity. Simple changes, like setting limits on screen time, scheduling daily family walks or workouts, or investing in versatile home fitness equipment, can help reintroduce physical activity into children’s lives. Families can also create opportunities for outdoor adventures, exploring local parks or engaging in sports together, which not only encourages movement but also strengthens familial bonds.
Using tools that children find interesting enough to forget about that new game they want to play on their device is the key to managing the need for fun and activity. We have noticed that once kids get on a Slackline, it becomes more of an issue to get them off! A combination of the ultimate game-like challenge with the ability to continually improve drives this enthusiasm. As kids practice, they naturally become more engaged in mastering the challenge, which keeps them coming back for more. This type of activity not only provides an exciting alternative to screen time, but also strengthens key skills such as mental resilience and perseverance with each session. By introducing interactive, game-like fitness tools, you can shift your child’s focus from passive entertainment to active, enjoyable play, ultimately promoting a well-rounded lifestyle for the family.
In the cooler months, these activities can easily be moved outdoors for more dynamic engagement and variety in the routine. Outdoor settings offer an added layer of excitement as they introduce new environments and challenges that keep the experience fresh. Exploring different outdoor locations, such as Za’abeel and Mushrif park, Kite and JBR beach, hiking and kayaking in Hatta, as well as exploring the serenity of the desert regions towards Margham. Not only does this allow children to stay active but also exposes them to the beauty of nature and the benefits of fresh air. Each week can be an opportunity to discover a new place, creating a sense of adventure while promoting physical activity. If you’re unaware, you may consider activities such as Ripe Market which is a wonderful outdoor activity for the family in popular venue locations across Dubai.
While technology has become an integral part of children’s lives, it is crucial to find a balance that ensures they remain active and engaged with the world around them. Encouraging physical activity through family fitness routines, outdoor adventures, and mindful tech use can help children break free from their tech-tethered habits. By fostering a more active lifestyle, families can ensure that their children grow up healthy, socially engaged, and well-prepared for the future.
P.S.OutQore is in no way affiliated to the locations, venues and events mentioned in the article and has strived to provide the most accurate and beneficial information possible relative to the blog.
References:
Subrahmanyam, K., Kraut, R. E., Greenfield, P. M., & Gross, E. F. (2000). The Impact of Home Computer Use on Children’s Activities and Development. The Future of Children, 10(2), 123–144. https://doi.org/10.2307/1602692
World Health Organisation (WHO). (2020). Who Guidelines On Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/337001/9789240014886-eng.pdf
Janssen, I., & LeBlanc, A. G. (2010). Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7(1), 40.