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Screen Time Challenge

Problem:
Youth are spending an increasing amount of time in front of screens- TV, computer and playing video games. The opportunity for youth to become more inactive seems to continue to grow. At the same time, childhood obesity is at an all time high.

Response:
An innovative pilot program, Screen Time Challenge, was designed to help 4-H youth explore how they are spending their time. The project required each 4-H member to set a baseline by tracking their free time. With their baseline in place, 4-H members recorded their screen time and physical activity time for four months. Each month, 4-Hers received feedback about how their screen time and physical activity had changed. At the four monthly meetings, members gained nutritional information and participated in physical activity. The program was a joint venture between Iowa State University Extension-Emmet County and Avera Holy Family Hospital with funds from Harkin Healthy Community Wellness grant. Extension staff and the hospital dietician provided education at meetings along with local resource people.

Impact:
22 of the 45 youth participated completed the evaluation form. Findings included:

21 of 22 reported that the program was helpful to see how they were spending their time.
21 of 22 said that completing the program helped them reduce their screen time.
22 of 22 reported they were spending more time in physical activity.
21 of 22 reported they were making better drink and snack choices.
18 of 22 reported they were drinking more water.
15 of 22 were choosing more fruits and vegetables.
13 of 22 had decreased levels of stress.
11 of 22 felt more organized.

Contact:
Holle Smith
Emmet County Extension Education Director
26 South 17th Street
Estherville, Iowa 51334-2429
Phone 712-362-3434; Fax 612-362-5866
Email holle@iastate.edu

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Last update: September 5, 2006  
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