To start on a positive note, technology has made our lives exponentially easier, allowed us to learn information on the fly, stay in touch with loved ones and create many efficiencies that we didn't enjoy just 15-20 years ago. Without technology the COVID pandemic and home school learning that everyone went through at some point would have been a lot worse. However, the question becomes how do kids use technology, or does technology use them?
Here are some facts to consider. Researchers at Essex University looked at fitness levels of kids in 2008 and compared them to 1998. The researchers challenged 300 kids to do a 20-meter shuttle run and compared them to the results of 1998. A 10 year old in 1998, on average, outran 95% of the kids they tested in 2008. Kids in 1998, on average, had 26% greater arm strength and 7% stronger hand grip. The number of sit-ups the average child can do also dropped by 27.1%. I am guessing this trend did not improve in the last 14 years from 2008 through now.
Its high impact activities like jumping and running that help a child build the strong bones they need to carry them into adulthood. Once you reach adulthood it becomes more difficult to build additional bone. There are no second chances it seems... Having your child be more active aids in insulin sensitivity. Which is the human bodies ability to absorb and store nutrients. That is it's not always how well you eat but what your body can absorb. Sedentary behavior leads to insulin resistance, which mean less macro and micro nutrients are used by the body. You want to be insulin sensitive. Then there is the mental well being of a child. Research has proven that kids who are more physically active perform better academically. Diseases and disorders that once was reserved for the aging adults has now made it's way into children. About 3,700 kids and teens develop Type 2 diabetes every year in the United States. Keep your child active daily, at least one hour each day. Make it fun, try and take part in their activities to encourage them.
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