USQ academic encourages parents and carers to consider new guidelines and think 'outside the square'

Alice Brown has thrown her support behind the new Federal Government guidelines

USQ Early Childhood lecturer Alice Brown has thrown her support behind new federal government guidelines that call on parents who have children up to two years old, to limit their 'screen time' in front of the television.

The recommendations are part of the federal government's Get up and Go guidelines for healthy eating and exercise in early childhood, devised by Melbourne's Royal Children’s Hospital.

Ms Brown who has undertaken research in this area has backed the new guidelines, which also recommend that parents should limit their children aged two to five years old, to one hour of television per day.

'My research reinforces the fact that TV is one of the factors that can lead to low activity rates and attribute to obesity in children,' Ms Brown said.

'The research suggests that parents and other primary carers are now being seen as major gatekeepers for preventative efforts in the area of child’s health.

'It also acknowledges that lifelong habits and experiences that are initiated in infancy and the early years have far-reaching and solidifying effects on future development, habits and behaviours.'

While time in front of the television was a point of contention Ms Brown said that there were other issues to take into account.

'Family, primary caregivers, places of care and educational environments are emerging as significant places where behaviours are established, which can be complex environments.

'So many factors impact on children’s activity and development and screen time is only one factor to consider.'

Although the release of the Federal Government’s guidelines has caused some controversy they have brought the issue of child obesity back into the national spotlight according to Ms Brown who encouraged discussion on the subject.

'If they can prompt conversations and highlight the critical period of the early years of life then that is a positive effect.

'I encourage parents to think creatively about how time with young children can be spent at home.

'This could include encouraging even very young children to participate in daily routines such as helping mum and dad wash the car, in the garden, hanging out clothes or cleaning the house.'

Interaction with a child’s childcare service was also important.

'Most centres have very strong planning and programming for young children but it is worth investigating if centres have a wide range of outdoor play equipment and resources to support children’s active play and development.'

As well as her research Ms Brown is also the co-author of Kids With More Zip, a practical resource for educators and careers, focusing on long-term health and movement experiences for children aged 3-12.

Ms Brown is available for comment on this issue and can be contacted on 0438 777 649 or via the USQ Corporate Communications office.

Contact Details:
Media Contact:  Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559 or 0400 025 429