Moms Talk: Kids, Media and Weight

While much has been made of childhood obesity in recent years, with everyone from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to First Lady Michelle Obama weighing in, one of the groups of people on the front lines of dealing with the issue are having their say.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement this week saying that media plays a big role  in childhood weight problems. The group recommends that pediatricians address media during check-ups, asking parents how much screen time (combined TV, computer and video games) the child has each day, and if there is a TV in the child's bedroom or unrestricted Internet access in the home.

TV, especially, can contribute to childhood weight issues, the group said. Time spent in front of the TV takes the place of more active play. Kids eat more while watching TV, and aren't concious of how much they're eating. Children are bombarded with advertisements for calorie-laden drinks, sugary cereals, junk food and fast food. Watching TV at night can mess with a child's sleeping.

The group is advocating for a federal ban on junk-food advertising during childrens' programming. It also urges parents to take responsibility, restricting TV time and not allowing TVs or computers in bedrooms. Children under 2 should not be exposed to any television or computer screen time, AAP says.

So let's talk kids, media and weight. What sort of screen media do you have in your home (TV, video game systems, computers) and how much access do your kids have to them? Do your children eschew active play in favor of TV or video games?

Have you ever noticed kids -- yours or others -- being influenced by advertising? Or have you noticed behavior changes after watching TV or playing video games?

Share how you deal with all the media in your home, and if technology like DVRs, downloads, or DVD players in cars help or hurt your efforts to control your child's screen time. Also, share any thoughts on teaching kids to be savvy about how advertising works.

Joining us, as always, is our fantastic Moms Council:

 is our parenting columnist. Julie, a longtime reporter and communications professional, is a first-time mom of a son born in November.

 works in public relations. She and husband Timothy have a daughter, Amara. Monina is also a member of the Disney Moms Panel, one of 15 moms selected nationwide, advising people online about planning Disney vacations.

 is a mom of three children ages 5 and under with her husband, Bill. She also works part-time.

 is a native of New Jersey. She is a marketing professional who has worked in advertising, market research, vending and equipment companies. She and her husband live in Avon with their two children.

 is a mom to a Girl Scout and lives in Avon.

 is president of Avon Early Childhood PTA. She will also be blogging for Avon Patch. If you're a parent and want to share your experiences raising children in Avon, you, too, can .