When I heard that iPad stations took the place of the play area in Guildford Town Centre I had to ask myself if they had lost their minds.
According to Statistics Canada, “excess weight has been linked to insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, poor emotional health and diminished social well-being.”
Between 2009-2011 an estimated 1.6 million children (aged five to 17) were classified as overweight or obese, according to the World Health Organization. The Public Health Agency has reported that one in four youth in Canada are overweight.
Children need more physical play time, not screen time, and this is what communities should be encouraging.
A. Allison
