With our children spending much of their leisure time on devices and less time outside; it has become an issue with our children's physical and mental development.

We know that being active during childhood helps with brain development, contributes positively to overall well being and also leads to lower degenerative diseases later in life. 

An excess of screen-time is also contributing to high obesity rates in children and an increase in sleep related issues. A common theme is children telling me they are tired because they were online for long periods of time at night. 

Children not engaging in other forms of play is also impacting on the development of their fine motor skills. This becomes evident at school where students struggle with pen grips in their writing. 

Research has shown that 4 out of 5 kiwi kids watch a device for 4/5  hours a day and that only 2 out of 5 kids walk, bike or scooter to school each day.

As a teacher involved in running Bromley sport I have seen a steady decrease in our student's fitness, hand eye coordination and ball skills. It is so important that our kids spend more time outside engaging in physical activities that encourage the development of these skills. 

 Physical Activities to engage your whānau

1. Make physical activity part of your family's daily routine by taking bike rides, playing physically active games together- like kicking or catching a ball.

2. Take them places where they can use the local environment to climb, run and walk.

3. When possible- walk/ bike or scooter to school. Start a routine from a young age that they can continue independently when they are older.

4. No device time at bedtime. No tv in bedroom.

5. Join a local sports group.

6. Support and encourage them to give things a go.