Despite the waffling about screen time and kids by the AMA over the past few years, a new study published by Pediatrics, and cited by Reuters, has supported what the AMA originally recommended -- no more than two hours of screen time per day for children.
Over 1,000 kids, aged 10 and 11, were assessed on how much time they spent watching TV or on a computer each day, as well as their emotional, behavioral and peer-related problems, and their physical activity. The kids who had over 2 hours per day of screen time were about 60% more likely to have psychological problems than those exposed to less screen time. Although the risk was greater if children were inactive, overall sedentary time did not account for the effect, and neither did factors such as age, gender, level of deprivation or puberty.
This is important information for parents. "Are video games harmful?" is a question I am commonly asked by parents, hoping I will help them to set limits on their kids' screen time. So this study gives clear evidence that more than two hours of screen time per day is potentially harmful. And although physical activity is important for kids, so is down time.
My guidelines for avoiding video game addiction in kids may help:
What studies like this fail to address are the specifics regarding the type of game, TV show, physical activity or sedentary time is being assessed, so in the meantime, some common sense is required. Obviously, skill-developing and educational games are less likely to cause problems than violent, excessively rewarding or MMORPG games. TV shows with educational and pro-social content is less likely to cause problems than shows with violent or otherwise antisocial content, or highly sensationalized content presenting poor role models. And regular exercise balanced by daily relaxation time is more likely to promote good mental and physical health than sporadic, disorganized activity or a sedantry lifestyle which keeps kids occupied rather than developing their interests.
Watch this space for more on how to prevent internet and media addiction.
