Parents need to take notes.
If you’re looking to help your child reduce their screen time, one key strategy is ensuring they have access to parks and open spaces where they can play outdoors.
Recent research highlights the importance of green spaces as an alternative to screen-based activities, such as watching TV, playing video games, and using the computer for non-educational purposes. According to Ian-Marshall Lang, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology, “Neighborhood green spaces can encourage children to engage in outdoor activities, offering them an alternative to screen time.”
The study, published in Health & Place, was inspired by earlier research on the effectiveness of community programs and policies across different racial and ethnic groups. Previous national studies have shown that communities with higher minority populations, particularly Hispanic and Black communities, tend to have less access to green spaces. Lang and his team believed this disparity in access to parks and open areas might contribute to the growing screen time among children in these communities.
The research found that children in neighborhoods with abundant green spaces are more likely to benefit from programs aimed at reducing screen time. In contrast, such programs are less successful in areas with limited access to parks and open land. Lang noted that “green spaces are less common in communities with higher Hispanic and Black populations,” pointing out that this unequal access could contribute to higher screen time among children in these areas.
Excessive screen time has been linked to various health issues, including childhood obesity, and can lead to sedentary behavior that continues into adulthood. The study also revealed significant racial and ethnic disparities in screen time habits, with Black and Hispanic children more likely to exceed the recommended limits. Lang emphasized that addressing these inequalities requires creating fair and healthy environments for all communities.
Furthermore, the study suggests that merely intensifying community programs focused on reducing screen time may not be effective if they are not supported by adequate green space. Environmental justice research has shown that people of color often have less access to parks and urban greenery, a result of decades of systemic racism.
However, spending time outdoors in nature has been associated with benefits such as reduced stress and improved mental health. Lang concludes by advocating for initiatives like the 10-Minute Walk Program, which aims to ensure that all U.S. residents live within a 10-minute walk of a quality park, to help address these inequities and support children’s health.
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