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Both content and time spent on television can affect
children's mental health.
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Effects of Children Watching Too Much Television Behavioral, sleep and attentional difficulties
Consistent, heavy television viewing (more than two hours a day) throughout early childhood can contributed to behavioral, sleep and attentional difficulties.
Clinical Study of Children and Television at 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 Years of Age
In the study, "Children's Television Exposure and Behavioral and Social Outcomes at 5 1/2 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 1/2 years, and again at age 5 1/2 years.
The effects of having a television in the child's bedroom were measured at age 5 1/2. Sixteen percent of parents reported that their child watched television more than two hours a day at age 2 1/2 years only (early exposure), 15 percent reported that their children watched more than two hours of television daily at 5 1/2 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 1/2.
Sleep, Attentional, Behavioral Problems from Television for Young Children
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 1/2. Early exposure to television for more than two hours a day, which decreased over time, did not cause behavior or social problems.
American Academy of Pediatricians Recommends No Television Under 2-years-old
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.
Positive Effects of Cutting Back on Television and Video Games for Nine-Year-Old
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 nine-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 nine months, through parental efforts. They allowed television and
video games only on the weekends but not during the school week. His
ADHD symptoms disappeared, his abilities at math began to improve, 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).
Children benefit from outdoor activities, playing in the park, finding enjoyment in reading, engaging in creative activities such as artwork, and "open-ended playthings," rather than pre-packaged programming such as is typical of television.
Publications, Articles and Organizations Supportive of Less TV for Children
Pediatrics Publications:
Television habits and sleep disturbance in children; other effects, television in bedroom
Pediatrics - Other References, Children and Television
Official Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics Advocacy Studies
Other Organizations Supporting Less TV Time for Children:
Adults and Children Act Against Violence Org - information on media violence and children.
TRUCE has a great site on children, parenting and the media. Good, balanced guidelines on TV, media, violence, sex.
TV turnoff org
Turn Off Your TV.com
Conclusion of Child Psychology, Positive Parenting, Children and Television
Parents should follow the American Academy of Pediatricians suggestion for no television for children under two-years-old, and very limited and selective television programs for children over two-years-old.
Children who have behavioral or attentional problems do better without television or with very limited television. Children who are struggling academically might benefit from watching no television during the school week or school months (this would include video games and movies).
Parents should be diligent in providing other recreational opportunities and interests to children such as coloring books, art and outdoor activities. Some children get better grades with less television and less (or no) video games.
Children should not be allowed to watch violent television programs, including cartoons with violence. Parents should monitor video game use of children, to make sure they are not playing violent video games.
Pages Related to Children and Television
Violent Video Game Effects
Television, Video Games and Media Violence
Children and Movies Effects
Parenting advice and tips, 24 Steps in Positive Parenting
Ideas to Develop Children's Interest in Art
Children and Breakfast - Why Children Need a Good Breakfast
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