Kids will always do what kids want to do.    Outdoor recreation is important, but I think people tend overdramtize the roles video games and television have made in their lives.   I honestly think the reports of obesity are exaggerated. I drop my son off at elementary school each morning and I see normal, healthy children running around. Of course there are a few children who are overweight, but I don't think it is worse than when I went to that very school.   

Lazy?   Have you been to school recently? My fourth grader has about 1 1/2 hours of homework each night. Add to that other obligations that kids have (sport, after school music or art classes, nature center or library activities, etc.) and I think they deserve an hour or two in front of the TV to unwind.   

I can't think of ever having met a real live "couch potato". I believe most people use these devices with realistic moderation.   Sure there are going to be those that abuse anything, but overall I don't think it is an epidemic.   Besides, you can learn quite a bit from TV and games.

I think we have more scientists and research than ever before. I wonder how the data is gathered and how they base their studies on the past.