Monday, April 05, 2004
TV and Attention Deficit--who would've guessed?
In an article today on FOXNews reported that TV watching by children under the age of 3 years, can increase the possibility of attention deficit problems. This is a significant finding, however, this may not mean to sell your TV set until your child is over 3.
Please note that I have not read the Pediatrics article yet and either Sid or I will try to make a future entry about such. First, the study suggests an increase in attention deficit behavior--NOT a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD). Also these results are based on parents' reports of attention deficit behavior. Most parents do not really know what the attention span of a 2 or 3 year old child is so therefore how are they able to determine whether their child has symptoms of attention deficit behavior.
Second, the type of tv programs were not addressed in the FoxNews article. Were the programs cartoons, game shows, Soaps, or what? Educational tv programs (e.g. Seasame Street, 3-2-1 Contact) have a completely different rhythm and approach to them then programs for adults or older children.
Finally, it is unclear the overall length of time this study seemed to take into account. How long had these children been watching this many hours of tv per day. I don't condone the tv as a babysitter, but I believe that occasional use of the tv so that mom or dad can go to the bathroom or take a short break may be a good thing.
Please don't think that I am for children watching tv (especially in the recent events with Janet Jackson, Brittney Spears, Madonna, and others). I just don't want parents believing that they will permanently damage their children if they watch any tv.
The best thing you can do is to monitor the tv shows your children do watch and do not be afraid to cut off the tv especially when it's a nice day!!
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Please note that I have not read the Pediatrics article yet and either Sid or I will try to make a future entry about such. First, the study suggests an increase in attention deficit behavior--NOT a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD). Also these results are based on parents' reports of attention deficit behavior. Most parents do not really know what the attention span of a 2 or 3 year old child is so therefore how are they able to determine whether their child has symptoms of attention deficit behavior.
Second, the type of tv programs were not addressed in the FoxNews article. Were the programs cartoons, game shows, Soaps, or what? Educational tv programs (e.g. Seasame Street, 3-2-1 Contact) have a completely different rhythm and approach to them then programs for adults or older children.
Finally, it is unclear the overall length of time this study seemed to take into account. How long had these children been watching this many hours of tv per day. I don't condone the tv as a babysitter, but I believe that occasional use of the tv so that mom or dad can go to the bathroom or take a short break may be a good thing.
Please don't think that I am for children watching tv (especially in the recent events with Janet Jackson, Brittney Spears, Madonna, and others). I just don't want parents believing that they will permanently damage their children if they watch any tv.
The best thing you can do is to monitor the tv shows your children do watch and do not be afraid to cut off the tv especially when it's a nice day!!
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