How Youth Sports Can Address Excessive Screen Time
More than ever, kids are spending less time playing, and more time scrolling. It’s no secret that excessive screen time is one of the most pressing challenges facing children and their parents today.
According to a CDC cited study by the Kaiser Foundation, kids ages 8-18 now spend an average of 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment daily. T.V., social media, games, and more now dominate kids’ free time. The CDC still recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, and screen time is getting in the way of the exercise kids needs to thrive.
The National Library of Medicine notes that excessive screen time may also be linked to other negative developmental outcomes, such as lower academic performance, executive functioning, language development, and increased risk of obesity, depression, anxiety, and aggressive behavior.
The question for busy parents is, how can we find more meaningful and beneficial ways for kids to spend their free time?
Keep Kids Active: The Benefits of Youth Sports
The Aspen Institute’s Project Play Report notes that 20%-28% of kids ages 6-17 fail to meet the 60 minutes of daily physical activity guideline, with no increase in the past decade.
For parents, one of the easiest ways to ensure children stay active and healthy is through finding a high-quality sports program. But, the benefits of sports extend far beyond getting exercise. Great sports programs are proven to help lower kids risk of physical health problems, achieve positive mental health outcomes including confidence and self-esteem, enhance social development, and even improve their chances of academic and professional success. At Asphalt Green Sports, we believe that when you play a sport, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of health, joy, connection, and achievement.
In other words, to keep kids off the phone, get kids in the game!
Find an Asphalt Green Sports Program
While the benefits of youth sports may be obvious, finding the right program is no easy task. At Asphalt Green, our sports programs are united by shared values of excellence and inclusivity, and the ultimate goal of inspiring lifelong passions for exercise.
We offer clinics, classes, leagues, and competitive teams for basketball, swimming, soccer, volleyball, martial arts, flag football, tennis, golf, and more, ensuring that no matter what NYC youth sport interests your child, there’s a spot for them at Asphalt Green. We are proud to offer options for young athletes of all ages, skill levels, and abilities, aligned with our mission to bring sports to all.
So if your child is glued to the screen, don’t worry! There’s a place for them in the field, court, mat, or pool.
