Second-hand TV viewing distracting to kids
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Source: NBC
Published Tue Jul 15, 2008, 08:11 AM MDT
Updated Tue Jul 15, 2008, 08:11 AM MDT
We've all heard about the dangers of second-hand smoke, but what about second-hand television? A new study from researchers at the University of Massachusetts finds children don't have to be in front of the television to feel its distracting effects.
The study of 51 one to three-year-olds found background TV, in this case an adult game show, was distracting enough that it disrupted the toy play of children at every age, even when the kids weren't paying attention to the screen.
Researchers say the findings suggest that like dedicated screen time, second-hand TV should be limited. So what's a well meaning parent or caregiver to do?
Pediatrician Ari Brown says creative scheduling can help. "If the television isn't on all the time, there are ways to structure activities so older children can be watching their favorite show while the younger child is taking a nap," she said.
Media researcher Jane Brown says parents need to include their own TV habits in the picture. "You start early, when children can't talk back. Basically you keep TV out of their bedroom, you model good media behavior yourself," she said.
Like sweets in diet, these experts say like sweets in the diet, screen time, even background TV, should come in moderation.
