Technology is not solely to blame for childhood obesity

Sitting on a couch for hours playing video games, getting up in between to pick up that bag of chips, isn’t going to burn a whole lot of calories. But parents handing over their smartphones or tablets to children as young as three is not an uncommon sight. As they get busy with work, chores and their own me-time, parents turn to technology to help keep their children busy and quiet. The habit of sitting still thus gets ingrained from a very early age. And technologies that encourage children to be still contribute to childhood obesity. Until about two decades ago, children would be out and about enjoying a game of hide-and-seek at the park or playing baseball at the sandlot. But now they would rather sit in front of the TV or Xbox. And parents seem to be liking it. Even as physical activity is being replaced by texting, surfing, gaming and TV watching, junk food manufacturers are latching onto such technology to advertise their high-calorie and high-fat products. Children hooked to such gadgets get drawn to advertisements and take to this type of food. Remember, obesity is not just about lack of physical activity, it’s also about the food we eat, of excess fat and calories. So, is technology the only culprit?

Obesity in children happens due to a combination of factors — technology, fast food and lack of school and family responsibility. Hence the onus is on all the players to help bring up a wholesome and intelligent generation with healthy living and eating habits. Youngsters should also shoulder the responsibility to remain fit, strong and active, not by shunning technology but by maintaining a balance. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s efforts to revamp the school curriculum in Dubai by making physical activity mandatory and improving the food menu at schools are laudable. But schools, on their part, should take concrete steps to bring about a substantial change in children’s mindset. The bad sides of food advertising should come up for discussion and a sense of nutrition should be imbibed in students. Parents should make time for their children and get them involved in physical activities. The aim should be to make healthy living a culture.