The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has launched an educational program calling for less screen time and more physical activity for children ages 5 and under. The program is part of the department’s ongoing effort to reduce childhood obesity rates.

The campaign was launched amid recent studies showing children are spending more than seven hours a day in front of television, computer or mobile device screens, and that two-thirds of children are not physically active every day.

“The road to a healthy life and proper body weight involves much less time spent in front of a screen,” said L.A. County Interim Health Officer Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser. “We continue to have a serious childhood obesity problem in L.A. County, but we can reverse the trend if we start good habits early. Along with healthy food and properly sized portions, healthy activities that exercise both the body and the brain are necessary to chart a brighter future for the youngest members of our communities.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that screen time for kids be limited to one or two hours per day, with no screen time for children under two years of age. Officials said parents should recognize the impact of children’s exposure to screens as more programming is aimed at children on tablets and mobile devices, in addition to televisions and computers. Children who watch more than two hours a day of TV are more likely to be overweight and often suffer from irregular sleep patterns.

“We know increased physical activity is strongly tied to children’s emotional wellbeing and academic achievement. Helping the children in L.A. County choose health by encouraging physical activity and reduced screen time is an important step in building healthier families, neighborhoods and communities,” said Armando Jimenez, director of research and evaluation for First 5 LA, an early childhood advocacy and public grant organization. “This campaign advances our effort to reduce the rates of childhood obesity and create communities where all children and families thrive.”

For information, visit www.PublicHealth.LACounty.gov.