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Campaign Action Sheet –
Community Stakeholders
Every six months OPAL will introduce a new healthy
lifestyle message to your community. The current
message is ‘Give the screen a rest. Active play is best!’
We want children to experience all the benefits of
active play and decrease the amount of time spent in
front of a screen.
What you should know
>> Screen time is the time children spend watching TV or DVDs, playing
or socialising on the computer, texting and playing video games.
>> Studies have shown that:
– High levels of screen time and inactivity are linked to children
being overweight or obese
– Excessive exposure to TV has been linked to poor cognitive
performance and antisocial behaviour
– There is some evidence that activity patterns established during
childhood continue into adult years.
>> The recommended Australian guidelines for total recreational
screen time (which is all screen time not related to study and
homework) are:
– 0 hours for babies and children under 2 years
– 1 hour or less per day for children 2-5 years
– 2 hours or less per day for children 6-18 years.
>> The majority of South Australian children watch more than
these guidelines.
>> Children watch the most TV from 3pm-6pm, on weekends and
in the holidays.
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>> Reasons to reduce screen time include helping kids develop their
physical skills, communication skills and confidence to interact with
their families, friends and communities.
>> Studies now show that screen time does not help children under
two years with their language or intelligence. Whilst they may
respond to the music and colours, it can negatively affect the
development of their eyes or time they can stay focused.
>> Active play uses the large muscle groups in the arms and legs;
it includes things like crawling, jumping, running and climbing.
>> Active play not only burns up the energy from food; it helps with
muscle and bone strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and
cardio-vascular health.
>> When children play, they’re using their imagination,
communicating, concentrating, exploring ideas, negotiating,
making friendships and gaining confidence.
>> Active kids are happy, healthy kids.
We’ve produced a toolkit
To assist you in promoting ‘Give the screen a rest. Active play is best.’
we have available:
>> Posters
>> Brochure
>> ‘Give the screen a rest? I can do that!’ Challenge Sheet
>> ‘Give the screen a rest’ curriculum resources for primary age children
To order contact your OPAL Local Council Team.
How to get involved
We’d really appreciate your support to help OPAL make a positive
impact in our community. Here are some ideas on how you could
get involved. Contact your OPAL Local Council Team to share your ideas
or for more support.
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Spread the message
You could:
>> Provide information to families, staff and students on the benefits
of giving the screen a rest in a variety of ways including:
>> If you manage a venue, can you incorporate a ‘Give the screen
a rest – come and try …. ’ message into any upcoming activities.
>> If you’re a business, for your next promotion give away branded
tennis balls, frisbees, skipping ropes or footballs that promote
active play.
– Display the ‘Give the screen a rest. Active play is best!’ poster
and brochure on your staffroom and public noticeboards.
>> Be role models – have fun and play!
– Distribute the brochure or ‘Give the screen a rest? I can do that!’
Challenge Sheet among your staff or with any correspondence
with parents to encourage them to record screen hours and
commit to a small reduction.
You could:
– Ask you OPAL Local Council Team for an advert or article if you
have a newsletter.
>> At your staff, volunteer or club meetings talk about the importance
of active play and discuss how you could increase opportunities for it.
Things you could do
You could:
>> Consider setting up a challenge competition amongst your
members, volunteers or staff.
>> Talk with children about why it’s good to be active. Encourage
parents to set a good example.
>> Consider removing the TV (if you have one) from your public areas;
Make it long term
>> If you’re a business, consider organising or sponsoring an active
play activity in your community, such as a junior sporting clinic,
an annual wheels day or walk.
>> If you’re a sporting or community club, organise a regular after
school activity, such as a footy match or hip hop dancing.
>> If you’re a neighbourhood or community centre, set up an active
play lending service for children to take toys home overnight or
on a weekend. Ask parents or friends if they have toys they would
like to donate to get it started.
>> If you are a business consider sponsoring an active play lending
service in your area.
>> Establish and promote an annual community-wide ‘Give the
Screen a Rest’ day.
replace it with children’s books, toys or puzzles for a wide range
of ages.
>> If you’re a sporting or community club, organise ‘come and try’
days, a coaching clinic or skills days. Promote this to parents as
a safe, healthy and fun alternative for their children.
>> If you’re a retailer, perhaps incorporate this campaign on check
out screens or display areas, or consider giving in-kind support
to a membership event at your local sporting club to encourage
participation.
To find out more and be involved visit www.opal.sa.gov.au or call
your OPAL Local Council Team:
Marion:
Mt Gambier:
Onkaparinga:
Playford:
Port Augusta:
Salisbury:
Fraser Keegan 8375 6704
Deb Agnew 8721 2588
Terri Lamoree 8301 7250
Lisa Atwell 8256 0226
Camilla Leaver 8641 9104
Gavin Fairbrother 8406 8294
OPAL by EPODE is a joint program of Australian, State and
Local Governments.
© Department of Health. All rights reserved. Printed August 2010. DH-SSS10067.3