• More sedentary time indoors has meant a reduction in physical activity in kids — at an age when it's important to get an hour or more of exercise per day.
• Lack of activity is contributing to a rising number of obese children; at least a third of American kids are overweight.

• Today's children and teenagers walk an average of 7,900 steps a day — rather than the 11,000 to 13,000 they should be doing.
• Being so sedentary means it's easier for children to gain weight, and even harder to take it off.
• Children eat about 20% of their daily calories in front of the television, and most of this is snacks like chips, candy and soft drinks.

• Actively monitor your child's computer and TV time, and set limits.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under two have no screen time.
• Children older than two should watch no more than one or two hours a day.

• Take any computer or television out of your child's room.
• Keep the television and computer in a family area. This makes monitoring your kids easier, and lets the entire family take part when the TV is used.
• Turn off the television or computer during meals and at homework time.

Reducing TV time won't necessarily make your children more active. Offer activities to take the place of television and electronic entertainment.

• Make the outdoors an attractive play option: keep throwing and kicking balls, jump ropes, frisbees and other active toys in your yard.
• Dancing is great exercise, and music is a good television substitute.
• Set the example of an active lifestyle for your kids: take the whole family walking, biking or swimming.
• Look for group activities and teams to involve your kids in.