Healthy Habits: Fostering Physical Health in a Digital World

Are my daughter’s screen time habits contributing to her weight gain? How can I ensure I am choosing the healthiest foods for my son? Are active video games worse than outdoor exercise? What does physical wellness look like in an increasingly digital world?

Digital media use contributes to several physical health concerns, including obesity, for children and teens, because it promotes sedentary activity, includes copious advertisements for sugary foods, and is a more attractive option for entertainment than many healthier activities. On the flip side, digital media can be used to promote healthy habits. On September 22nd, 2021, Children and Screens hosted “Healthy Habits: Fostering Physical Health in a Digital World,” an Ask the Experts webinar. A panel of interdisciplinary experts elucidated the importance of maintaining physical health, as well as the ways families can work together to foster healthy habits both on- and off-screen. Researchers, pediatricians, nutritionists, and others discussed the differences between active and sedentary screen use, tools for making the best nutritional choices, ways to encourage an active lifestyle, and more.