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Too
much time spent in front of the television can drag down kids’ grades and help spur
poor eating habits that lead to obesity, according to two recent U.S. studies published
this month in “Pediatrics,” the journal of the
American
Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP). One study involving middle school students found that more time
in front of the TV during weekdays meant poorer school performance at school.
The content of the programming had an even stronger
negative effect to school grades. Students that could watch R-rated movies or whatever
they wanted on TV did worse in school.
The second study tracked the volume, and
types of food-related advertising included in programming aimed at pre-schoolers. The
researchers found that most ads were aimed at pulling children toward long-lasting
relationships with particular products. The majority of the ads associated food of poor
nutritional quality with fun and being happy or excited.
According to the AAP, the average American
child spends about four hours each day in front of the TV.
That’s
far more than the AAP recommendation of no more than one to two hours a day of “screen
time,” which also includes time spent playing video games or chatting with friends
online.
“From previous studies we know
excessive screen time can lead to obesity, aggression, and high-risk behaviors. Now, we not only know that hours in front of
the TV
affects school performance, but also,
children’s exposure to adult content and food advertising has a strong negative
impact,” said Dr. Michelle Sumrall, pediatrician at the Children's Clinic of SWLA.
“A child needs to spend as much time
growing and learning as possible,” says Sumrall.
“The
hours spent watching TV takes away time from homework and reading resulting in poorer
school performance. It takes away from learning how to be physically active to help
maintain good health. It sets children up for a sedentary adult life at risk for diabetes,
heart disease, and obesity.”
The AAP suggests the following tips for
parents to help their children develop positive media habits:
- Set limits. Limit your child’s use of TV,
movies, video games and online chatting to no more than 1 or 2 hours per day.
-
Watch TV with your child.
Talk about what you see. Explain to younger
children that characters are make-believe and not real.
Help your older children find the right message. Discuss how the program relates to
your family’s values.
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Help your child resist commercials. Explain that
the purpose of commercials is to make people want things they don’t need.
- Give other options. Watching TV, chatting online,
etc. can become a habit for your child. Help your child find other things to do with his
time, such as playing, reading, or learning a hobby, sport, instrument, or an art.
- Set a good example. You are the most important
role model in your child’s life. Limiting your own “screen time” will help
your child do the same.
- Use parental block controls provided on TVs or
through cable providers to prevent kids from accessing adult content.
October, 2006
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