In today’s hectic world, idiot box may be the main source of home entertainment for many kids. But, if researchers are to be believed, parents need to discourage letting children watch television.
Yes, according to a study carried out by a team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University in the US, children, particularly those aged five, who watch television programmes even for two hours a day are likely to develop behavioural problems and poor social skills.
“A number of studies have demonstrated negative effects of heavy television viewing. However, timing of exposure is an important consideration as reducing viewing to acceptable levels can reduce the risk of behavioural and social problems,” lead researcher Kamila Mistry was quoted by the media as saying.
In fact, the researchers came to the conclusion after analysing over 2,000 children aged between two and five based on information provided by their parents.
The team found that 16 per cent watched two or more hours daily only when they were two, 15 per cent only when they were five, and 20 per cent maintained their two-hour viewing habit over the three years.
According to the findings, 41 per cent of the children involved had a television in his or her bedroom which, among the five-year-olds, led to various behavioural problems and inadequate sleep.
“Children who reduced their viewing by five years of age were not at greater risk of behaviour and social problems. It is vital for clinicians to emphasise the importance of reducing television viewing in early childhood among those children with early use,” another researcher Cynthia Minkovitz was quoted as saying.