Growing Columbus Youth Dependence on Technology

Columbus, OH, August 29, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Children all over the US are returning to school this week, leaving houses empty for perhaps the first time since summer began. Some parents are rejoicing. Recent research indicates that the number of children who remain indoors and “plugged in” to technology has been growing substantially at the expense of physical activity and free play. Exercise.

The Pew Internet and American Life Project has found that 93 percent of American adolescents use the internet, with 73 percent having a Facebook account. These values have increased significantly from previous years, as has ownership of cell phones.

“It is scary that children are no longer getting outside, exploring their neighborhoods, physically playing with others. This is a key link in the chain of childhood obesity,” reported Bobby Kenney of the International Youth Conditioning Association.

A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation lays bare the extent of the issue. Americans aged 8 to 18 were found to spend more time with media – TV, internet, video games, etc. – than they did at school, with a whopping 7.5 hours a day devoted to media.

That is a lot of time spent indoors. And a lot of time spent inactive.

Jason Yun, owner of Athletic Revolution-Hilliard and Yun Fitness Bootcamp in Columbus, points toward the solution. “Reestablishing a physical culture in today's youth is a critical step to improving the health of our children. Sitting on the couch and playing video games is not going to do it. Even though some games are trying to get kids and adults more active, it's still a far cry from a structured workout program like Athletic Revolution.”

Inactivity is linked to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and depression in youth.

“We teach children that physical activity is not only fun, but also a great way to make friends,” said Yun. “And if kids are having fun, they are going to want to keep moving. If you are a parent you owe it to your kid to provide them with the best life possible, and it simply is not possible to do that without physical activity as part of their daily life.”

For more information on Athletic Revolution-Hilliard or what you can do to get your kids more active, contact Jason Yun at 614-304-1426 or visit the website at http://www.athleticrevolutionhilliard.com.

Jason Yun is a certified Youth Fitness Specialist and Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

References:

Pew Internet and American Life Project:
http://pewinternet.org/Commentary/2011/July/Teen-Data-Resources.aspx
Kaiser Family Foundation: http://www.kff.org/entmedia/mh012010pkg.cfm.

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