Sedentary behavior

Limit screen time, not just for social media but watching movies, playing video games, or even do homework, since it causes sedentary behavior that increases the risk of dyslipidemia.

Goals: for kids <2 years old - NO screen time. For kids 2 years old and older - maximum 1 hour screen time a day.

Tip: Oftentimes, you cannot do anything about homework that requires screen time. In that case, limit movies and video games and social media to use just on the weekends.

Household rules that may help to limit screen time:

• Set a specific screen time limit, which applies to all family members

• No television viewing during meals

• No television in child's bedroom

• No smartphone in bedroom at night

• Develop a "Family Media Agreement" that outlines family rules and objectives for online and media use (example available from HealthyChildren.org in English and Spanish)

Include your children/adolescents in the goal-setting process. This is important because caregivers cannot continuously monitor and enforce these rules!