Consistent, Frequent TV Viewing Can Cause Behavioral Problems in Children
Consistent, heavy television viewing (more than two hours a day) throughout early childhood can cause behavior, sleep and attention problems. In the new study, "Children's Television Exposure and Behavioral and Social Outcomes at 5.5 Years: Does Timing of Exposure Matter?" researchers assessed data from the Healthy Steps for Young Children national evaluation effort pertaining to the effects of early, concurrent and sustained television exposure at age 2.5 years, and again at age 5.5 years.
The effects of having a television in the child's bedroom were measured at age 5.5. Sixteen percent of parents reported that their child watched television more than two hours a day at age 2.5 years only (early exposure), 15 percent reported that their children watched more than two hours of television daily at 5.5 years only (concurrent exposure), and 20 percent reported more than two hours of television viewing daily at both times (sustained exposure). Forty-one percent of children had a television in their bedroom at age 5.5.
Sustained television viewing was associated with sleep, attention and aggressive behavior problems, and externalizing of problem behaviors. Concurrent television exposure was associated with fewer social skills. Having a television in the bedroom was associated with sleep problems and less emotional reactivity at age 5.5. Early exposure to television for more than two hours a day, which decreased over time, did not cause behavior or social problems.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no television viewing for children under age 2, and no more than two hours of daily media exposure for ages 2 and older.
Excessive television does impact a child's later and present probability to develop symptoms of
ADHD. Cutting back on TV or doing without during the week, is one step some parents have implemented successfully. One 9 year old boy who was manifesting symptoms of ADHD and struggling with math, a full one year behind, and who was probably going to be put on medication, was able to make the honor roll within 9 months, by firmness with the parents. They allowed television and
video games only during the weekends and not during the school week. His ADHD symptoms disappeared, his ability at math gradually grew, and his C's and D's turned into A's and B's, to his father's delight. (Oliver Street School, Newark, NJ, 2008-9).
Also, see Adults and Children Act Against Violence Org for more information on media violence and children.http://www.actagainstviolence.org
TRUCE has a great site on children, parenting and the media. Good, balanced guidelines on TV, media, violence, sex.
TV turnoff org:
