Study Cites Negative Effects of Watching Too Much Television

According to the U.S. Health and Human Services news release, a study done by a doctoral candidate at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has shown that too much television before the age of six could lead to possible behavioral problems later in life.

The study which was done by lead author, Kamila Mistry does not confirm that television is bad for young kids, however it does show a significant difference in behavioral problems with specific kids depending on what their viewing. The researchers surveyed 2,702 families who volunteered in the study between 1996 and 1998. Their children were followed from birth until almost six years-old.

According to the results, 20 percent of the parents said that their children watched up to two hours of television a day between 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 years-old. Four out of 10 children at age five had televisions in their bedroom. Once the results were compiled, it was revealed that those children who watched two or more hours of television at both ages were more likely to suffer from sleep, attention and aggressive behavior problems. The study also revealed that those children who watched more and more television over time would and did have more problems dealing with other people.

Researchers have not however confirmed that television is bad for children, it does though make a very strong case that there is a significant difference in children who do watch an excessive amount of television. Mistry states that "I hesitate to say TV is horrible," she also adds, "but excessive amounts of any activity is probably not good.".

Over the years television has been blamed for many different things, including children who murder or go on rampages. However this has never been proven. The American Academy of Pediatrics does discourage kids under two not to watch any television at all and to limit those older than two years-old to two hours a day. To learn more about children and TV from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

SOURCE : United States Health and Human Services - Kids' TV Viewing Tied to Behavioral Problems
http://www.womenshealth.gov/news/english/608686.htm