Did you know youth spend more than 7 hours a day using media, with most having access in their bedroom to a TV, video game, computer, internet, and a cell phone?? Some parents would argue what does it matter? According to research studies, media has significant negative affects on children and teens.
Violence and aggression in the media are often glamorized. The average teen has seen almost 200,000 acts of violence on TV by age 18. As a result, children come to see violence as an acceptable and appropriate way to resolve conflict. Children are often exposed to significant tobacco, drug alcohol, and sexual content through TV, movies, social websites (i.e. my space), and internet videos. Research shows this has an important impact on teens and leads to more permissive behaviors. A link has been noted between obesity and heavy TV viewing, likely due to decreased exercise, increased inactivity, decreased sleep, and increased thoughtless eating of unhealthy foods. Media, such as fashion magazines, have also been shown to have an influence on eating behaviors and body image issues often leading to eating disorders. Though still controversial, some research has indicated that more than 2-3 hours of TV per day for toddlers has been associated with attention-deficit disorder (ADD) during the early school years.
What can parents do?
1. Limit total screen time (TV, computers, cell phones, and video games) for children older than 2 years to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day
2. Avoid screen time for children younger than 2 years
3. Keep children’s bedrooms free of screen media
4. Co-view media with your children and discuss the content
5. Understand and know the ratings of the media your child is using (i.e. FV = Fantasy Violence, AC = Adult Content)
6. Do not allow your child to eat in front of the TV or computer
7. Monitor and limit your own media use
Reference: Pediatrics 2010; 125:756-767Resources: www.aap.org, http://safetynet.aap.org/
By Salathiel R. Kendrick, MD, FAAP
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