A Columbia & NYU study reveals teens watching TV three or more hours a day are at risk for developing attention and learning problems. The study examined 678 families from upsate New York, interviewing parents and children about their television habits and school performance.

Did excessive TV time cause attention and learning problems, or were children who already had these problems more prone to watch TV? The association is not clear, but suggests that those who watch a large amount of television are at a disadvantage in school compared to those who do not.

Some of the outcomes noted with increased TV viewing include failure to complete homework, boredom at school, poor grades, negative attitudes about school, failure in secondary school, and failure to obtain post-secondary education. It may be simply that excessive TV viewing takes away time that may otherwise be spent on educational activities, reading and doing homework.

To improve educational achievement, parents should limit TV time to 1-2 hours per day of quality programming. We suggest removing the TV from your child’s room to limit unrestricted access and monitor what your child is watching. Spend more time on family activities and games that challenge learning and thinking for everyone!

http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=604353