TV and Health

"A recent article published in the U.S. medical journal, “Pediatrics” seems to confirm the suspicion many have had for a long time regarding a relationship between the hours spent with the television and electronic media and the rising tide of violence and anti-social behavior in society.

The study done at the University of Otago in New Zealand, tracked the viewing habits of 1,000 children between the ages of 5 and 15 that were born in the early 70’s until they were 26 years old.

In reporting the findings, the researchers noted that “the risk of a criminal conviction by early adulthood increased by about 30 % with every hour that children spent watching television on an average weeknight.”

In addition, “excessive television viewing was associated with aggressive personality traits and increased tendency to experience negative emotions.”

Other studies comparing educational programming with programs depicting violence suggest that the type of programming does make a difference in the lives of the viewing children but does not eliminate the problem. Because of the findings of this and many other studies, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should not watch more than 2 hours of quality programming daily.

While the evidence is quite clear that the type of programming watched is very important, there are many other factors that likely contribute to the negative effects of excessive time viewing television and participating in other electronic media activities. In addition to the truism that we become like the things we behold, there is the concern about social isolation for those that spend many hours before the television screen or hand-held devices. Perhaps of even greater importance than the things one becomes by spending time with the electronic media are the things one cannot become for lack of involvement in those types of activities that build character, give meaning and purpose to life and satisfy the deepest longings of the soul."  By Dr Walt Thompson, Health Smart Blog, A Place of Healing.info

Dr Dicky Ng's comment:  How true, what we watch, read, play, affects how we think and act.  If we want to have healthy, happy life, work on our mind, and body, we will have good quality of life at each stage of our life.  Stay well.