TV - Free Fun:

Enjoyable, Sociable, Affordable

“I can’t hear you, I’m watching TV”

Sound familiar? Are eyes that should be learning, exploring and discovering glued to the TV for survival?

The couch potato syndrome has gripped the nation, infecting the minds of children and teenagers across Australia.

Kid’s wake up early to catch a few cartoons before heading off to school where they sit and watch educational films designed to ‘engage’ the students of the digital age. Back home and they’re channel surfing till dinner then staying up to watch TV shows they simply “must see” before school the next day.

You’re right to be concerned, for recreational TV watching has mutated into a major threat to the heath, wellbeing and social skills of today’s youth.

But before you turn hippy, give away all electrical devices and buy your kid a banjo, let’s consider some less extreme alternatives.

Get out and move!

A good idea is to draw up and encourage your child to stick to a pre-arranged day plan, with limited time set aside for TV. Fill the new blank periods will healthier, more sociable recreational activities, such as team sports or family bike rides.

You must, however, ensure that these lifestyle changes are sustainable. Carefully consider your finances, time and other commitments.

A convenient, cost-effective alternative to TV watching is trampolining. The right trampoline will give you excellent value for money, making it perfect for those on a budget. Trampolining will combat the negative side-effects of TV over-indulgence and replace them with healthy positives.

A bit on the heavy side?

A recent study in the Journal of Pediatrics has confirmed what we’ve always suspected: too much TV leads to obesity.

The study found that watching more than two hours of television a day was responsible for causing a fifth of normal weight children to become overweight.

“Can I stay up for just one more program?”

In addition to the sedentary nature of the activity, Dr Kaur, Kansas University Department of Pediatrics, says that children are likely to over eat whilst watching television as they are focused on the program and less aware of their internal cues.

Substituting TV time with an active alternative such as trampolining is a great way for your child to become physically healthy while still having fun.

In fact a 1980’s study by NASA proved that just ten minutes on a trampoline gave the same health benefits as a thirty minute run. The increased cardio rate which occurs while bouncing also encourages energy use and weight loss.

“Sit that close and you’ll get square eyes!”

Carrots, balance & co-ordination

Nearly, but not quite. It is true that children are becoming increasingly shortsighted due to the amount of time focusing on close objects such as books, the computer screen and TV. To avoid eye damage, children must spend increased time outdoors where they can focus on objects further away.

Excessive TV viewing is also detrimental to balance and co-ordination. The reason is simple: lack of practice. Kids must be encouraged to get out there and move.

Trampolining is especially good at building and strengthening bones and muscles, resulting in better balance, co-ordination and posture. Bouncing also positively influences spatial awareness, height / depth perception, reaction speed and stamina.

Social little butterflies

“Television can provide people with the impression that their social needs are being met with the illusionary relationships made with their favorite TV characters”, say Psychologists at the University at Buffalo and Miami University in Ohio.

This recent study found that substituting TV for real social relationships is extremely detrimental as the viewer does not receive anything in return. Time spent shut away watching television is time that could be spent relating and bonding with family and friends.

Not only does owning a trampoline encourage positive family interaction, kids will love to have their friends over for a bounce.

The action of bouncing actually stimulates the release of endorphins (mood-lifting natural chemicals) which help overcome negativity, depression, pain and anxiety. Trampolining relieves tension, fatigue and anger. These positive moods will promote and stimulate better social interaction in your child.

Turn-around time

So, it’s time to take action. Turn off the TV, turn on active play. Draw up a schedule, stick to a plan, think up some healthy, active alternatives and summon that determination.