A study conducted by Kaiser Permanente and released on October 28, 2003, shows that not only are children's eating habits terrible, but children are starting to become couch potatoes at an earlier age than we might have thought.
According to this study, more than a quarter of children under the age of 2 have a television in their rooms. 59% of children 6 months to 2 years of age watch television and 42% watch a videotape or DVD every day. The average amount of time spent watching something on a television screen is a little more than 2 hours daily. Children with a television in their bedrooms watch more television than those who do not have one.
10% of the babies and toddlers from 6 months to 2 years old have a television remote control designed for children (I didn't know there was such a thing!). The study's lead author acknowledges that the first two years of life are crucial in terms of development, and states that "we don't have a clue about the impact of all of this media."
I think we absolutely have a clue - look around! Many children form the habit of sitting passively in front of a television instead of engaging in physical activity at a very early age. Additionally, they don't know what to do when they are not being entertained. My sister and I, on the other hand, were expected to find things to do to amuse ourselves when we were kids. We made up games, and found creative ways to amuse ourselves. We were extremely physically active. Children today are not having this experience, and it affects not only their physical health and weight, but also their ability to think.
Kids today also don't get outside, so they don't get any sunshine (the best source of Vitamin D) and many of them aren't functional socially because their parents put them in front of a television instead of having conversation with them, or taking them places where they interact with people.
Although there are good programs on television, the misuse of television is one of the worst influences on our society. I am always telling parents, although it is somewhat outside my scope, to get the television out of the kids' rooms, limit the hours spent in front of it, pay attention to what is watched, and take the left over time and get these kids participating in physical activity, reading, playing and just being kids. This is just as important as getting rid of the sugary cereals and macaroni and cheese!
Return to Article Library