Blue Jays’ Trey Yesavage helps launch Rogers program promoting healthier screen use

With the help of young Blue Jays phenom Trey Yesavage, Rogers has launched a new five-year, $50-million program to help teens balance screen time.

A recent study showed kids aged 11 to 17 spend more than five hours on their phones — far surpassing the recommended two-hour time limit.

Toronto Blue Jays rookie sensation Yesavage was in Toronto Wednesday to help launch “Screen Break.”

“It’s a very big deal, you need to experience life with your own two eyes, and not live through someone on social media or caught up in your phone and miss moments in your life,” said Yesavage.

Health experts recommend a maximum of two hours of recreational screen time daily.

But a recent study by Rogers, found that Canadian teens are spending two and a half times as long scrolling on their phones.

“It’s 5.2 hours a day on average for kids 11 to 17 we saw on our research — specifically on their phones,” said Sarah Zupnik, the program director of Rogers Screen Break. “Ninety per cent of them were above the two hour recommended guidelines.”

Rogers’ Screen Break initiative is aimed at teaching kids healthier digital habits.

“We’ve announced grants, we’re doing school programming like this, investing in youth programs with groups like the YMCA, we’re going to be hosting unplugged events — you’ll continue to see more education and advocacy work that we’ll be doing across our media channels,” said Zupnik.

WATCH MORE: Blue Jays take 3-2 lead after rookie pitcher breaks World Series record

The study found higher screen time can increase anxiety, depression, and social isolation, contributes to obesity and lower physical fitness, and can hinder academic performance and development.

“I think it’s an everyone issue, I think we’re seeing the physical and mental impacts of too much screen time and particularly seeing amongst youth,” said Zupnik. “I think it’s a really important issue.”

The young pitcher says he was guilty of spending too much time on his phone as well. Once he realized he had a problem, he made changes.

“I set screen time limits for a few of my apps that in the past I was spending too much time on,” said Yesavage.

Now the only thing he has to worry about is big league spring training in a few weeks.

“I have two weeks of service time, plus the playoffs, so I haven’t experienced what a full season looks like,” said Yesavage. “That’s what I’m excited for this year.”

So put down your phone, and watch what the young pitcher can accomplish this season with your own eyes.

READ MORE: Humber professor’s Grammy-nominated album is a 360-degree love letter to Toronto