Consumer Reports makes suggestions on cutting down screen time

SAN ANTONIO – More often than not, children nowadays are glued to their screens. But what looks like harmless fun can sometimes be dangerous. A recent study found that 18 percent of 9- and 10-year-olds who spent more than three hours a day on screens could be at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

“It makes sense if you think about it.  Kids are more likely to snack mindlessly when they’re in front of a screen than they are when they're outside or exercising,” said Tercius Bufete, with Consumer Reports.

It doesn’t help when screen time is often accompanied by junk food ads. So how do you get your children to spend less time in front of a television or hand-held device?

“Remember the old saying, ‘Monkey see, monkey do?’ Well, if you're doing it, it's likely your kids are too. First, set limits on your own screen time. Then set limits for them,” Bufete said.

Consumer Reports recommends the following suggestions.

• During dinner, force all family members to put devices away and turn off the television.
• Only allow screens in certain rooms, such as the family room.
• And use routers like Google Wi-Fi and Eero, which have apps that let you block access during certain times of the day. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has a media time calculator which can help determine age appropriate limits.
• But perhaps the best and most fun way to cut back on screen time, get your children outside and into activities such as biking, walking or just throwing a ball around.

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About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.