Most parents are aware that too many hours in front of the TV isn’t good for kids. However, most kids enter the world of television at a very young age.
According to one study:
- Two thirds of toddlers and infants spend an average of two hours a day in front of the television screen.
- Children under six spend an average of two hours watching videos and TV.
- Children and teens 8 to 18 years are in front of the television screen about four hours per day and spend an additional two hours playing video games or on the computer.
There are a lot of problems with this.
For one, sitting in front of the TV for more than four hours a day can lead to obesity. Aggressive behavior in kids has been linked to TV violence. And television characters often portray risky behaviors like smoking and drinking, setting poor examples.
This is bad enough, but a new study, called the Peach Project, reports even more disturbing news. Too much time in front of the TV screen or computer monitor can be harmful to children’s mental health.
No amount of exercise will negate the psychological damage.
Researchers found that children spending at least two hours watching TV or using the computer for recreational use led to higher psychological difficulty scores when compared to those who spent less time engaged in computer or TV activities. It appears that no amount of time playing outside will correct this.
The bottom line is that regular prolonged exposure to television and computer screens increases the likelihood of children developing psychological problems . . . and no amount of exercise will alleviate that.
The Peach Project assessed over 1000 children ranging in ages 10 to 11 years old. Researchers used a questionnaire to gather data about how long they spent engaged in TV as well as assessing their mental health. They also measured and recorded their physical activity.
During the survey children were read statements and asked whether they agreed or disagreed with each statement. The statements included, “I am often unhappy, downhearted or tearful” and, “I generally play alone or keep to myself.”
Researchers found that the risk of emotional problems such as avoiding social activities in favor of a screen or extreme shyness is only slightly higher in children who rarely took part in physical activity or were sedentary.
This means that parents cannot rely on physical activity to make up for too much time in front of a television or computer screen. While physical activity is great in many ways it will not negate too many hours engaged with computer and television screens. Another study found that increased levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) correlated with the amount of time spent watching television.
Suggested guidelines for screen viewing.
The U.S. has adopted guidelines that advise children under two should watch no more than two hours of television a day. Even that sounds a bit high.
And while it’s true that some TV can be educational, the TV screen should never replace spending quality time with family, playing and exploring, and as children get older, being physically active, doing homework, or reading.
It’s up to parents to control the amount of television the children are exposed to while letting them know it’s okay for occasional entertainment… but not for constant replacement of being actively engaged in life.
