WebMD reports on a new study in their article “TV Linked to More Child Aggression”, that shows that kids who watch more television exhibit higher levels of aggressive behavior:
Researchers examined data on 3,128 3-year-olds. Mothers of the tots answered questions about how much time their children spent watching television during a typical day, as well as how much television the kids were indirectly exposed to. Also, the children’s level of aggressive behaviour was evaluated. The children in the study were born between 1998 and 2000 and came from 20 U.S. cities.
Researchers concluded that 3-year-olds “exposed to more television, directly and indirectly, are at increased risk for exhibiting aggressive behavior.”
Possible reasons are that children who see violence on television become desensitized to it; parents who don’t have limits on television may be less likely to have other rules, such as regular bedtimes; and when children are watching television, they are not participating in other activities that may benefit their social development, such as playing.
Read more about the study on WebMD
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 2 do not watch television at all and that children 3 and up be limited to 2 hours of media and screen time per day.
I try to limit my four year old to one hour per day of screen time, but it sometimes exceeds that on days when I have a lot of work to do. My two year old has very little interest in television but she is exposed to it through her sister’s viewing habits. This study is a good reminder for me and for all parents that it’s time to turn off the tube and go outside to play!
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