Expert Alert - Video games and social media use in youth: The good, the bad and the ugly

Canadian Institutes of Health Research experts available to discuss the physical and psychological impacts of screen time

Attention: Assignment editors, health, research and science reporters

For immediate release –

2012-47

Ottawa (July 30, 2012) – The average Canadian child spends over 7.5 hours every day in front of a screen – television, computer or other electronic device.¹ How are your kids keeping active this summer? Are they spending more time on their smartphone or tablet than riding a bike? Are sports video games more popular in your household than the real thing? Are they interacting with friends through social media more than in person?

The following CIHR-funded researchers are available to discuss the positive and negative physical and psychological impacts of video games and social media on youth.

Experts:

Can active video games improve physical activity in children and youth?
Dr. Elaine Biddiss, CIHR-funded researcher (Toronto, ON)
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput, CIHR-funded researcher (Ottawa, ON)

What is the impact of physical inactivity on children and youths?
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput, CIHR-funded researcher (Ottawa, ON)

Can electronic devices affect your child's sleep?
Dr. Julie Carrier, CIHR-funded research (Montreal, QC)
Dr. Reut Gruber, CIHR-funded research (Montreal, QC)

Is your child addicted to the Internet? How to recognize the warning signs?
Dr. Jennifer Shapka, CIHR-funded research (Vancouver)

Should we be worried about the safety of teens in social media?
Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc, CIHR-funded research (Vancouver, BC)
Dr. Jennifer Shapka, CIHR-funded research (Vancouver, BC)

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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

To schedule an interview, please contact:

David Coulombe
CIHR Media Relations
613-941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

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1. Active Healthy Kids Canada 2012 Active Healthy Kids Canada