Screen Smart

Press release from Roanoke City Public Schools:

11/11/2020

Since most of our students are learning virtually the first quarter, they are spending a lot of time looking at screens. That is why it is important to take a break!

Roanoke City Public Schools is partnering with the Virginia Cooperative Extensive to launch the Screen Smart Program. The goal is to encourage students to reduce screen time for entertainment and take regular movement breaks throughout the school day. The new initiative will be primarily highlighted during Health and Physical Education classes. Teachers will also be encouraged to incorporate the program into their lessons.

Taking a break from screens has many benefits:

supports healthier weights

Increases academic achievement

Decreases problems with depression, anxiety, and self-esteem

Improves social well-being

Improves muscle and joint heath

Here are some simple tips to help families take breaks from screens:

1. Limit screen time for entertainment. It is recommended that families limit screen time for entertainment to less than 2 hours each day

2. Try a Screen-Free Saturday! From sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, you should not use any screens. Instead, plan other fun activities like:

going for a walk or hike

setting up a scavenger hunt

create an obstacle course

play a game

3. Designate regular "screen free times" Turn off screens as a family during meals, short car rides, and during certain family activities.

4. Turn off screens an hour before bed time. Using screens right before bed can interfere with sleep.

5. Practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes that you are using screens for work or school, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

6. Take hourly movement breaks. Take a movement break for five minutes or less every hour that you are working or learning on a screen. For example, take a short walk or step outside and soak up the sunshine.

This press release was produced by the Roanoke City Public Schools.The views expressed here are the author’s own.