University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division

Reduce Screen Time KY

Presenter Hometown

Lexington

Major

Public Health

Department

Health Promotion and Administration

Degree

Undergraduate

Mentor

Julie A. Lasslo

Mentor Department

Health Promotion and Administration

Abstract

Children, on average, spend 2,000 hours a year in front of screens. The act of binge-watching television releases dopamine in the same way that drug usage does. It is theorized that increased screen time may set up pathways in children's brains that may lead to various addiction issues later in life. Reduce Screen Time KY is a program plan to reduce the amount of screen time consumed by children. Based on a thorough needs assessment of the community and review of evidence-based programs, this program plan seeks to provide families with resources for non-screen-related activities and hopes to reshape the way pediatricians, community members, and families perceive and talk about screen time.

This five-year program plan seeks to provide educational and resource materials for pediatricians and health departments to distribute to families. The program also includes physician education to prepare providers to realistically convey the dangers of excess screen time to their patients. Involvement with daycares, community centers, boys and girls clubs, and other community members is also an integral part of this program. The program's expected impact is to reduce screen time by the end of the five years by 35%. By the end of the five years, there will be an increase in the awareness of the dangers of excessive screen time, knowledge of healthy alternative activities, and a shift in screen-related social norms.

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Reduce Screen Time KY

Children, on average, spend 2,000 hours a year in front of screens. The act of binge-watching television releases dopamine in the same way that drug usage does. It is theorized that increased screen time may set up pathways in children's brains that may lead to various addiction issues later in life. Reduce Screen Time KY is a program plan to reduce the amount of screen time consumed by children. Based on a thorough needs assessment of the community and review of evidence-based programs, this program plan seeks to provide families with resources for non-screen-related activities and hopes to reshape the way pediatricians, community members, and families perceive and talk about screen time.

This five-year program plan seeks to provide educational and resource materials for pediatricians and health departments to distribute to families. The program also includes physician education to prepare providers to realistically convey the dangers of excess screen time to their patients. Involvement with daycares, community centers, boys and girls clubs, and other community members is also an integral part of this program. The program's expected impact is to reduce screen time by the end of the five years by 35%. By the end of the five years, there will be an increase in the awareness of the dangers of excessive screen time, knowledge of healthy alternative activities, and a shift in screen-related social norms.