The “2” In 5-2-1-0
How to Limit Your Child to No More Than Two Hours a Day of Screen Time
South County Health Bodies, Healthy Minds is running the region’s 5-2-1-0 program. “5-2-1-0” is a daily prescription of 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables, no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and zero sugary drinks.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has tackled the “2” with some great suggestions. For example:
- Help your child choose his or her favorite TV shows and schedule them on an actual calendar. When each show is over, turn off the TV to avoid “runover”.
- Create a Top 10 list of activities – bike riding, shooting hoops, walking the dog – as a reminder there are positive alternatives to the computer, smartphone, and television screens.
- And “cut the cord” in the bedroom: make it a “screen-free” zone.
