WORDS BY ERICA NEWTON, MYFIRSTGYM CO-FOUNDER
I know: the kids write a cute letter to Santa and the first thing you do is take a mental note of all the things they want. PS5. Xbox. Smart Watch. iPad. A phone. Laptop. Disney+ (ask me how I know). As a parent, all you want to do is keep the Christmas dream alive for little ones, but at what cost to our kids’ health and wellbeing (not to mention your hip-pocket)?
The impact of screen time on children’s health.
The trending saturation of screens on our kids is pretty sobering when you see studies that show the “age at which kids engage with media on a regular basis fell from four years in 1970 to four months in the present day”! The impact of this on our children is catastrophic, with screen time the direct result of:
Decreased gross motor skills development
Studies highlight that increased screen time correlates with decreased gross motor skill development (larger movements that engage major muscle groups) in preschool-aged children. The review found that children who spent more than two hours a day on screens were significantly more likely to have delayed gross motor skills, as they engaged less in active play.
Significant delays in fine motor skills development
While some digital activities may enhance fine motor skills (grasping and manipulating objects), passive screen time does not. Chuck a rock into the ether and you’ll find a study to confirm that screen time equates to significant delays in fine motor skills development compared to children who engaged more in interactive, hands-on activities.
Impaired coordination and balance
Research highlighted that children who spent more than three hours a day on screens were more likely to struggle with tasks requiring coordination, and showed poorer hand-eye coordination and balance compared to those who participated in more physical activities.
Long-term consequences
Studies note that children with delayed motor skills at age 5 had higher rates of academic and behavioural problems by age 7. We haven’t even covered the increased rates of obesity and other health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Just to be clear, here are the recommended screen time limits for children according to Australian Institute of Family Studies:
- no screen time for children younger than two years
- no more than one hour per day for children aged 2–5 years
- no more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day for children and young people aged 5–17 years (not including schoolwork).
What’s a pseudo-Santa to do? The answer is easy… gifts that inspire movement.
10 Gifts to inspire movement in your kids.
1. Prezentbox
We’re all about making life easier for parents, especially with the current cost of living crisis which is exactly why we’ve partnered up with Prezentbox. “Gift activities, not stuff” is the logo for this uber smart Sydney company. Simply search for activities (aquatic centres, MyFirstGym, juggling schools!) your kids love in your area, send the link to your loved ones and allow them to make contributions. Activities for 2025 sorted!
2. Balance bikes
For those with toddlers or children wanting to learn, balance bikes are BRILLIANT for those gross motor skills, coordination and balance. Not to mention, they make the transition to a pedal bike almost effortless.
3. Nerf blasters
#sorrynotsorry but nerf blasters are one of the best ways to get your kids active. Set a few ground rules, organise a game of capture the president and they’re off (we found some great game ideas here).
4. Water soakers and slip and slides
No pool? No problem. The options here are endless and during a hot Aussie summer, brilliant for cooling the kids down AND getting them active. Go for a double whammy Wahu Mega Slide or an easier-on-the-backyard water pistol.
5. Water toys
Boogie boards to pool-pong, all you need is some air in your lungs and a body of water to get those kids moving.
6. Old school
Think hoola-hoops, kites, bouncy ball, jump ropes and elastics. These are great stocking fillers!
7. Non-e-bikes/scooters
Yeah, we know e-everything is pretty on trend at the moment, but bikes and scooters, even the non-motorised kind are always a great Christmas gift.
8. Outdoor sports equipment
You’d be surprised how popular a soccerball, basketball or frisbee can be down at the local park or with the kids in your street. No kids around? As goalie, looks like you’ll be getting some awesome physical activity in with your kids too!!
9. Wii Fit
For the kid who hates outside, Wii Fit is a brilliant way of moving in the loungeroom. Used with a Nintendo gaming system, set up family challenges and games so everyone can get involved.
10. MyMovementBuddy
This is MyFirstGym’s answer to the activity tracker and is a great way of encouraging kids to move more. It comes with all the usual features (including a digital watch) and can be used in conjunction with the MyFirstGym app too.
Still looking? We found a huge range of ideas here.
Of course, a MyFirstGym membership is another great present for kids: our classes are so fun it feels like Christmas every day! Click here and find a MyFirstGym branch near you.