Toddlers who watch a lot of television were more likely to experience a range of problems by the fourth grade, including lower grades, poorer health and more problems with school bullies, a new study
reports. The study of more than 1,300 Canadian schoolchildren tracked the amount of television children were watching at the ages of about 2 and 5. The researchers then followed up on the children in
fourth grade to assess academic performance, social issues and general health, reports
The New
York Times.
The findings suggest that the differences were strongly linked with television exposure, not parental care, and that excessive television is not
good for a developing brain.
David Kleeman, president of American Center for Children and Media, said content is "enormously
important." The center, an executive roundtable and development center for creative professionals, is supported by the television industry.
"There are plenty of longitudinal
studies of various lengths with 'Sesame [Street]' and 'Between the Lions' and others that suggest viewing of educational content can positively influence outcomes. Also, content choice may suggest
[the] level of parental involvement," Kleeman said in an e-mail interview with
The Boston Globe. "Families need to
set limits and develop smart media habits that work for them."
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