Students at three schools in Grey-Bruce have succeeded in their efforts to be more active.
During the week of May 2 to 8, students were encouraged to turn off televisions, video games, and computers and play outside. It was the 14th annual "Turn Off The Screens" challenge by the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
The top three schools for overall participation were Sullivan Community School in Desboro, Dundalk and Proton Community School, and Elgin Market Public School in Kincardine.
Many students accumulated as many as 30 hours of physical activity during the week, while others managed to remain screen-free the entire time.
According to the 2015 Physical Activity Report Card, only 9% of 5 to 17-year-olds are meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines of at least one hour per day.
76% of those aged 5-17 exceed the recommended sedentary behaviour guidelines of less than two 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 one hour per day • Remove televisions from children’s bedrooms • Eat meals together as a family with the television turned off.
