Experts: Young people need to become more active to balance out screen time

Activities such as dance or self-defense training are not only good forms of exercise and physical activity but can provide people an outlet to express themselves and become more confident.

Gillian Neff and Rose Shannon

Mar 23, 2024, 5:01 PM

Updated 196 days ago

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Research from the National Institutes of Health has found that excessive screen time by young people can contribute to obesity, sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety.
Experts say there are several ways for young people to thrive – both physically and mentally. Their No. 1 tip is for people to find an activity they are excited to start.
Activities such as dance or self-defense training are not only good forms of exercise and physical activity but can provide people an outlet to express themselves and become more confident.
Another tip is to move with other people. Katherine Shary, of Strong4Life Program, recommended taking family walk or bike rides.
Shary says people should not focus on the number on the scale but focus on how your body feels.
"The benefits of being active go far beyond the way that your body looks," says Shary.
Lastly, she says being active and moving is something that needs to be daily.
Shary and others say it's good to instill that message into young people early, so they can carry that habit into adulthood.