Vanessa is an 11-year-old girl who lives in Dallas, Texas, United States, and that does not make her different from any other kid anywhere on the planet, in fact, she has something in common with a large part kids around the globe: her weakness for mobile devices.

MASTKD ESPAÑOL

Alarming data

Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned about vision problems caused by staring at screens for too long. Besides that, obesity is another of the concerning effects caused by the excessive use of mobile devices.

On the other hand, in a survey carried out in Australia, it was found that more than 80% of children between the ages of 5 and 17 have up to three mobile devices.

While technology has been a way to keep moving forward during the pandemic, it has also kept us apart from those around us.

Science recommends

For children over two years, it is appropriate to set limits on the use of devices by restricting screen time to no more than 1 hour or even less per day, with high-quality programs. It is recommended to watch them or play together with them and to do other activities that are healthy for the body and mind (for example, reading, teaching, talking, and playing together).

All children and teenagers need adequate sleep (8-12 hours, depending on age), and physical activity (1 hour); but more important they need time to be disconnected from their digital devices.

It is very important to set specific hours to put away devices (for example, family mealtimes) and device-free zones (for example, bedrooms).

Children should not sleep with TV´s, computers, or smartphones in their bedrooms.

Taekwondo disconnects you from virtuality and connects you to reality

Taekwondo has always been an important ally in the fight against different pathologies and, undoubtedly, sedentary lifestyle and excessive use of electronic devices became the worst threat to children and teenagers in this millennium.

Taekwondo is courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit and through these five values children can increase their self-esteem and grow up in an integral way, seeking for a better future.

“I used to be shy but by practicing Taekwondo I´ve increased my social skills and self-esteem. Taekwondo made me realized that there is a world out there that I want to be a part of. Taekwondo is hope, Taekwondo is happiness”, says Vanessa in the campaign that is going around the world.