It is a common complaint that young people spend far too much time with their gaze fixed firmly on their mobile phone screen these days and not enough time outside exercising.
Now, medical students from Aberdeen University are on a mission to change the habits of children at one city school.
An entire year of aspiring medics visited Abbottswell Primary to teach pupils about the effects of excess screen time and extol the benefits of an active lifestyle.
The university stressed that media consumed on smartphones, video games and TV “can be beneficial to children’s development”.
There is, however, increasing concern among experts that excessive screen time could be damaging for health – though the effects may not be understood for many years to come.
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Dr John McKeown, head of general practice and community medical education at the university, said the drive will have a positive impact on both the pupils and students.
He said: “These events will help our students learn about communicating with children, some of whom may even consider medicine as a career when they might not otherwise have done.
“Screen time is a particular focus this year.
“Apple recently released software, mindful of their corporate responsibility towards the health of children, aimed at helping parents to provide guidance to their children regarding screen time.
“We have been teaching students about the health consequences of excess screen time and hope that they will be able to discuss this with the pupils.
“We will be assessing the pupils perspectives on these health issues before and after the visit.”
As part of the project, children will take part in a “daily mile” challenge where they undertake a 15-minute run or jog every day.
