Today’s technology-saturated world has made life a lot easier for us but this comes at a price: no physical activity for our teens. “Don’t worry, I’ll find lots of things to do.” “I promise, I won’t get bored.” All too often these words are uttered by well-meaning teens. Their redemption lies in the computer screen. Teens are never far from cell phones, computers, televisions or video game consoles. All these add a lot of distraction to important things like homework and being active.

Over the past five years, kids aged 8 to 18 have increased the amount of time they spend plugged into media by 1 hour and 17 minutes a day, up from 6 hours and 21 minutes to 7 hours and 38 minutes. Gwenn O'Keeffe, MD, a pediatrician and author of CyberSafe: Protecting and Empowering Kids in the Digital World of Texting, Gaming and Social Media suggests that the more time teens spend in front of the screen, the less they are active. Whether it is a computer screen, television, cell phone or gaming, it is likely to decrease the amount of activity that your teen participates in.

Why is being active so important for teens?

Experts suggest that even if they are not dealing with any weight issues, limiting TV time for kids and increasing their outdoor activity will help them. Even if your teen is tech-savvy, it is important that they spend at least equal time under the wide blue as they spend in front of the screen. Apart from ensuring a good mental health, outdoor activities help kids feel better, sleep better and learn better.

Set an example

Watch your own screen habits. Although your teen might not pay much attention to what you do or say but you are still their primary role model. Consciously or unconsciously, they will take your lead and follow your good as well as bad habits. You cannot tell them to cut down on their screen time when you spend a lot of time in front of the television, text while driving or have your BlackBerry on the table while having dinner.

Here are some ways in which you can help your teen cut back on the time they spend in front of the screen:

Talk to your teen: Teens often fail to see the big picture. Talk to them about the importance of outdoor activities for teenagers that are going to help them in the future.

Limit the access: Limit the access your teen has to the television or computer. Preferably remove them from their bedroom. If this is not possible, make sure that your teen cannot access them after bedtime.

Set the time limit: Set a limit for the time teens spend in front of the screen. Ideally, kids should not be allowed to sit in front of a screen for more than 3 hours.

Encourage you teens: If any outdoor sport does not interest them, encourage your teen to have any other activity or hobby and pursue their interests.