In a survey conducted by the YMCA of more than 1,600 American parents with children between the ages of 5 and 10, it was found that 58% of respondents said their children spend fewer than four days a week playing outdoors. The survey also revealed that 74% of respondents spend a majority of family time with their children by sitting in front of a TV set. With technology dominating our lives, it is no surprise that many American kids between the ages of 5 and 10 are not meeting the suggested 60 minutes of exercise per day.

“I wasn’t shocked to find out how many kids don’t exercise. Especially with how much technology has influenced our lives. I rarely see kids playing outside voluntarily,” said sophomore Terry Tan.

“I babysit my neighbor’s kids who are 6 to 7 years old and they have more Apple products than some college students I know. Babysitting them is always easy because instead of wanting to play outside they just want to play games on their iPads,” college freshman Stephanie Ines said.

It is accurate that technology is a distraction and can make it difficult for kids to get the minimum amount of exercise they need. However, this does not mean that it justifies lack of physical activity in kids.

“There are many small things that make it very difficult for families to get an hour of physical activity a day. Among the factors to be blamed are technology, time and money,” said Dr. Matt Longjohn, the YMCA’s US Director of Chronic Disease Prevention.

As stated by the American Heart Association, most children should get a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise every day. Nonetheless, this does not have to take place in one time period. Simple activities like going for a walk, playing tag with your friends or family instead of playing video games, or even biking to school can make a tremendous difference in a child’s health. Also it is crucial that parents encourage and educate their kids on being healthy.

“I think it is very important for parents to set an example of good health to their kids. They should get their kids involved in a sport and have let them go outside every now and then,” said sophomore Tori Millington.

FSA Questions

1.)    In the article what is the author’s main idea?

2.)    Select a sentence from the article that best supports main idea.

3.)    Summarize the article in one sentence.

4.)    What does the word crucial in the article mean?

5.)    Do you agree with the author? Explain.