In the same vein as my post on The Drugging of Our Children and the link to Ross Enamait’s post, here is a WebMD article titled Too Much TV Linked to Behavior Problems

Researchers found that children who watched more than two hours of television per day from age 2 1/2 until age 5 1/2 were more likely to develop sleep, attention, and aggressive behavior problems than those who watched less.

In addition, researchers found 5 1/2-year-olds who watched more than two hours of television per day also had fewer social skills.

They go on to point out that too much television is associated with sleep, attention, and aggression problems. And there’s this tidbit:

The study also showed that 41% of children had a television in their room by age 5 1/2, and having a television in the bedroom was associated with sleep problems and less emotional reactivity at age 5 1/2.

I have never had a TV in my room. My parents never let us kids have one, although I did have a computer once I was out of college and still under their roof, much to the detriment of my sleep patterns. When I moved out, I didn’t put a TV or computer in my room and now that I’m married with my own house, I don’t have one in my room. Frankly, there are only a few things that should be happening in the bedroom. Sleeping is on the list. TV watching isn’t.

Kids that watch more TV are quite likely more sedentary (not much of a stretch there) and are probably reaching for low-quality junk food while they watch their daily two hours or more, both contributors to their behavioral problems. Unfortunately, the average American household watches 8 hours and 11 minutes of TV per day, so the role models aren’t setting much of an example. Nothing good will ever come from turning over

I’ve said it before, turn off the TV and hang out with the kids. Whether it’s a game of Monopoly or cards, a walk/bike ride around the neighborhood, throwing a football, or reading a book, everyone will benefit physically, mentally, and emotionally from turning off the squawk box and engaging with real people. Eating dinner together also has benefits. Also, don’t be afraid to throw your kids out into the great outdoors on nice days. My Mom never wasted a chance to say “Why don’t you all turn off the video games and go do something outside?”


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