Watching Tv And Play Video Games

The growth of technology has formed a major effect on the amount of exercise children have been not accomplishing. The more time children are spending engrossed in video games, talking to friends online and watching funny cat videos on YouTube, they are spending less time being active or exercising. The television brings a child’s imagination to life providing them with entertainment that doesn’t require them to go outside. For every exercising app one may find in the app store, there are tree food delivery apps and thousands of game options. The likelihood of mindlessly eating unhealthy food increases as people are hypnotized by the latest episode of Honey Boo Boo on television. Children use video games and apps on mobile devices to pass the time when they are bored instead of using up stored energy by playing outside. Not only are these games easily accessible and easy for young children to understand, but they are designed so that the mind becomes addicted to a challenging puzzle. Instead of a child playing a game on a mobile device in moderation his or her mind becomes programed to play “one more game” until a maximum high score is obtained. New inventions are created to make life more convenient for us. Ever since the invention of the wheel when we learned we could roll objects instead of carry them, these advancements are simple ways to make life easier. We become too familiar with these conveniences and they become the norm. In essence the young generation is becoming lazy because the children do not have to work for many things anymore since they are already provided for us. Even the invention of the automobile aided in this method of thinking. After cars became common, it was unnecessary to walk anywhere. Physical exercise is considered by most to be work, because it doesn't come to us as easily as many

For years, Americans have been told that exercising and staying active is imperative to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In general, this fact holds true for all generations and age groups, including the youth of today. Children simply need to exercise and participate in more physical activities in order to maintain a high level of health. The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools suggests that, “one of the leading causes of this epidemic (childhood obesity) is a marked decline in physical activity and athletic participation” (“Athletics in Schools”). Childhood fascinations with watching television, playing video games, and browsing the internet are just a few of the sedentary hobbies taking over children’s free time to be active. Therefore, mandating physical activities in schools across the country will effectively reduce the frequency of this major, obesity health crisis in young students. Understandably, a plethora of factors cause and influence children to become overweight and obese, but working to fix each evident problem will, in the end, contribute to finally ending the developing childhood health crisis.

Perhaps the most damaging health habit kids today have is their complete and total lack of exercise. Children today are more inclined to a sedentary behavior. Movies, television, the Internet, etc. are all magnets for kids, and while these mediums of entertainment aren’t altogether “evil” they can breed docile attitudes. If too much time is spent watching

In the twenty-first century, sometimes both parents work full time, leaving less time for cooking.  The present lifestyle is much more upbeat, on-the-go, and rushed.  In the article, "Obesity," from TeensHealth quotes, "Cars dominate our lives, and fewer people walk or ride bikes to get somewhere" (2).  Trying to save time, families tend to pick-up fast food for snacks and dinner or prepare meals that are quick and more fattening.  Both of these efforts result in consuming more calories.  Children that do not participate in after school activities or sports tend to play computer/video games or watch television.  These interests result in less physical activity and less calories burned.  According to statistics quoted in Body Image, Eating Disorders, and Obesity in Youth, "American children spend an average of more than seven hours per week watching videotapes and more than five hours per week playing videogames" (273).  Both fast food and less physical activity are credited with the growing number of overweight and obese people.

Obesity usually rises at early age; this positions children to encounter detrimental health problems later in life. The annotated sources validate that obesity is linked with serious health problems, both medical and emotional. Frankly, it is crucial that parents and adolescents are kept up-to-date with the information outlined throughout this argument. About ten years ago children would ride their bikes around the neighborhood, engage in sports, and play tag; when they got home, a nutritious meal would be waiting for them on the dinner table. Where did all this vanish to? Should parents be blamed for allowing their kids to become coach potatoes? There are several theorized solutions to control the number of overweight children in

As we intake calories we must work them out. Dr. Michael Omidi, co-founder of The Children’s Obesity Fund. says “However, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the lack of physical exercise in children is the main culprit in the startling rise of childhood obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and all other types of preventable medical conditions.” As we grow up we start our exercise in our schools physical education class. As we become young teens in junior high we start getting fewer exercise because it isn’t mandatory to get a P.E. the whole year. Once getting to high school many states only require to at least have 1 P.E. credit to graduate. It’s unbelievable how the American education system works, how they slowly cut our physical activity leading the young Americans to obesity. If schools provided more physical activity and made it mandatory for kids to have a P.E. credit for every year, our children obesity rate wouldn’t be as high. Our technology has begun to take over many Americans lives, and according to “obesity in children and technology”, “A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2014 monitored the habits of 1,003 sixth-graders. The researchers found that kids who spent more time in front of a screen -- whether it was a computer, TV or video game -- snacked more often and ate fewer healthy snacks than children who used

Many kids prefer to stay inside to play video games. Children rather spend time on their phones and on social media. Many children would rather sit inside and binge watch on T.V. shows than go outside and be active in a sport or club. There might be a possibility of lack of parks so kids spend most of their time inside these days. Most kids that are not involved in sports are the ones who will have a higher chance of being obese. According to an article in Children’s Time Outdoors, by L. Larson and others (2011), kids today are spending a lot less time outdoors. The main cause of this is the rise of technology. A study was done and about 57% of parents claim that the reason their children don’t go outside is because they are using some type of electronic, such as video games, watching TV, or listening to music (Larson 2011). According to the article, “80 percent said it was uncomfortable to be outdoors due to bugs and heat. 62 percent said they did not have transportation to natural areas. 61 percent said there were not natural areas near their

Now, many of us may know a parent that hands their child a tablet or phone to keep their child busy so they can do their own work. Well, this has a very negative consequence on the child because just like alcohol, drugs, and gambling, items such as electronic devices that may seem harmless at first, can actually be very obsessive. These devices are so chronic and habitual that you tend to get isolated from the real world, and since you aren’t managing to do any physical exercise or movement, this could possibly result as a physical handicap. Parents don’t realize this is an issue until their child faces actual circumstances. Technology does not only have negatively influenced physical effects, but it also has a psychological impact. The overuse of electronic devices may cause impairment in the development of a child’s social skills. This includes the ability of to make friends, talking to others in a respectful and polite manner, displaying good behavior, and controlling temper and emotions. A child who uses technology extensively can become socially isolated which can lead to many other things such as loneliness, low self-esteem and low self-worth, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. In every child’s life, their childhood is the most crucial part of their _________ journey. It's that time of life where whatever a child learns, that learning will continue on and affect their on-going future. The negative things will misguide them from a very young age, and same goes for these children that use technology

The environment of a family has an impact on a person’s health. “Research has shown that families who eat dinner together regularly consume more fruits and vegetables, fewer fried foods, and less soda than those families who do not eat dinner together.”(Dietz, 2001) Families that are stable are often more effective in being their own support system and creating a more stable environment. Families pursue the use of technology, restaurants and fast-paced eating as well as single parenting and parental denial. The media and technology promote sedentary behavior. Technology is prevalent in the cause of childhood obesity. While it is a convenience, and in some cases a form of entertainment, technology should not be replaced with active activities because it is a leading cause in childhood obesity. “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 10 percent of preschool age children and 15 percent of 6- to 19-year olds, can be considered overweight. Twice as many are on the brink of the statistic, making childhood obesity a societal epidemic.” (Can, 2011) As sociocultural evolution carries on, the epidemic of obesity increases. Obesity in children also has psychological consequences such as negative physical self-perceptions, lower feelings of self-worth, and in some cases higher incidence of behavioral problems

Another environmental cause of childhood obesity is the lack of physical activity. The problem is that physical activity has been replaced by video games, television, social networking and other technology. (Child Obesity Statistics) “It’s proven that children who watch the most hours of television have the highest incidence of obesity.” (Hosten) The American Heart Association they recommend “all children age 2 and older should participate in at least 60 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity physical activities every day.” They also recommend “if your child or children don't have a full 60-minute activity break each day, try to provide at

Video games can isolate a child causing him to be socially awkward and find it hard to communicate with others and cause the child to spend less time doing other activities such as homework, reading, interacting with friends and family and sports.

A growing number of children are demonstrating unhealthy eating habits and as a result are becoming obese due to lack of physical activity, nutrition and genetics. Children in today’s society are not motivated to exercise and participate in after school activities. If we were to go back in time 15 to 20 years ago, children were encouraged to explore the outdoors by engaging in activities such as camping, bicycling, walking, running and playing sports. Now, living in the 21st century, technology has taken a major toll on our children health; they are spending more time indoors watching television, playing video, games, surfing the internet and texting on their mobile phones.

Children now spend more than seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen whether it be a television, computer, smartphone, or playing video games (cite). No I didn’t stutter, no I’m not exaggerating, seven and a half hours a day, can you believe that? As sad as it is, I’m unfortunately not surprised. Society continues to rapidly evolve as we continue to become consumed by technology and the latest iphone. I’m not going to lie, I do love my iphone and I fall guilty to spending more time than I would like on my phone, watching tv, or on my laptop. Obesity is a serious problem in the United States, more than 80% of adults do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle strengthening activities, and more than 80% of adolescents do not do enough aerobic physical activity to meet the guidelines for youth. (cite) This is an interesting piece of information. Most likely parents who do not exercise, do not motivate their children to exercise either. That’s why the percentages for adults and adolescents are so similar. Our youth need to be guided in the right direction, so we have a healthier world for future generations to come. Children are easily influenced so it is extremely important that we instill in their young minds the importance of exercise and being physically active. If children see their parents on their phones for hours on end, watching tv or

In today’s society, technology has played a big role in everyone’s lives and has taken over. Kids today stay inside and play on the computer, watch TV, play video games, or mess with tablets and smartphones. Several people find other, more entertaining things to do than play outside and be active. Some of the times, physical education in schools is the only physical activity students have on a daily basis (“Obesity”). Kids and teenagers would much rather be wrapped up in a social network than going for a job or going to the gym. Back in the day, playing outside was one of the few entertainments. Parents have no discipline and let their children do what they want to their bodies. Technology has caused people to be less active and not as self-controlled causing them to be obese or overweight later in life.

Whilst it can be argued that technology has enhanced many aspects of our lives, it cannot replace real life completely. Sue Palmer, in her seminal work on child development, described how, as a result of over-protective parenting or due to very real safety concerns, traditional play has been replaced by an over-reliance on technology; a “screen-based lifestyle” and she argues that: