Website of the UK government

What the experts say

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence has reviewed all the evidence and says that too much time spent in front of the TV is likely to be one of the contributing factors for energy intake exceeding energy use, resulting in a child becoming overweight or obese. As a result, the institute suggests that parents and carers:

• monitor the amount of time children spend watching television
• minimise inactivity – it is recommended that children should not sit for long periods (more than two hours) watching telly or playing video games
• gradually reduce inactivity and find more active hobbies like sport, dance or walking

• Advice on helping your child maintain a healthy weight

TV in moderation

There is no doubt that TV can be a useful educational tool. It can help children learn to communicate and can stimulate their imagination, so banning your child from watching it all together would be a bit drastic. There are things you can do to help keep your child’s TV viewing at reasonable levels. You may want to try some of the following:

• keep TV sets out of bedrooms
• watch TV together and plan your viewing around specific programmes – try to make it a family event (this will also help you keep an eye on what programmes they are watching)
• turn the TV off during meal times, and when there is nothing special to watch
• try to offer a distraction, like a special treat or fun activity
• from an early age, try to let your child know that TV should be used selectively
• set a good example by limiting your own viewing

If all else fails and you are still concerned about your child’s TV viewing, there are products on the market that can stop them from watching certain programmes, and limit the number of hours the television stays on for. Ask at your local electrical goods shop or try an internet search to find out more.

Gaming and the internet

The internet is also a valuable educational tool but it’s a good idea to limit the hours your child spends on it. The same goes for games consoles. Too much time sitting in front of a screen, be it a computer or a television, may be a health risk. Encourage your child to play outside instead and socialise with other children.

How active should children be?

Keeping children active has a range of benefits, including healthy growth and development, good energy levels, psychological well-being and social interaction.

The Chief Medical Officer recommends that children and young people should be active for at least one hour per day.

More useful links

• Chat to other parents about your TV concerns on ParentsCentre Opens new window