Pediatricians for years have been concerned about the fact that many children can spend up to 7 hours a day in front of a computer screen or television set.

Most parents cannot believe it when they hear that according to recent studies, most kids are tuned into TV or playing with electronic devices 7 hours each day. Concerned parent Lori Jennings says,"Until I realized and broke up how many different things they do and I can see how that seven hours can add up."

Pediatrician Eric Jones says that from TV to movies to computers, children spend more time in front of electronic devices then is recommended. "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends two hours or less of any screen or computerized time."

Dr. Jones also says that the overabundance of computer time can hurt children in their social development. "If you're only interacting with a joy stick or a computer game, or remote control clicker then how do you learn how to talk to someone at school?"

Dr. Jones adds that experts have come up with some suggestions to help turn off electronics in your home. They may not be easy but they suggest: parents to limit electronic time, not putting a TV in the bedroom, keeping the TV off when not in use, don't eat in front of the TV and find other activities to do at home. "We try to get them to exercise more and then we try to control their portion size and their choices of food."

Remember not only does an inactive lifestyle in front of the TV affect children with their social skills, but it also contributes to obesity, which is a major risk factor for diabetes and heart disease in addition to numerous health problems.

Parents can set a good example for their children by becoming more active and limiting their own TV and computer time.