Toddlers and TV: Link To ADHD?
The following article appeared in PEDIATRICS HEALTH MONITOR (Spring 2005). Before you read the article, please be aware that in changing the name (and symptoms) of attention-deficit disorder --- that many more millions of children now fit the profile of ADHD --- as was the intention all along . . .
A new study suggests that young children who frequently watch TV are more likely to develop a short attention span --- the central problem in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It's tempting to put a fussy toddler in front of the television set while you make meals or tend to other children. But you may want to think twice about using the "electronic babysitter" on a regular basis. New research indicates that young children who are frequently exposed to TV may develop attention problems later on --- and perhaps attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
ADHD was originally called attention-defeict disorder. But then hyperactivity was seen as a common occurance, and the name was changed. In the U.S., ADHD is the most common behavioral disorder of childhood, affecting an estimated 4% to 12% of children. A short attention span is the hallmark of the condition. Other symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting, overactivity, impulsiveness, inattention to detail, difficulty completing tasks, disorganization, and forgetfulness. Social activity and academics are both affected. The development of ADHD is believed to be influenced by both heredity and environmental factors.
Prime Suspect:
Pediatric health experts have been concerned for some time about a possible connection between early TV viewing and a short attention span. In a recent study researchers examined data from a survey of about 1,200 chilren. When the children were 1 and 3 years old, parents were asked about the children's TV exposure. At age 7, the kids were interviewed, and a standard test was used to determine if they had attention problems and/or hyperactivity.
The researchers considered other possible influences on the children's attention span. These included such factors such as whether the child was born at full term or was born prematurely, the stability of the home environment, the mother's use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, the mother's age and emotional health, parental discipline methods, and how much the parents talked with, read to, and played with the child.
As a group, the children watched an average 2.2 hours of TV a day at age 1 and 3.6 hours per day at age 3. In both age groups, the number of hours viewed per day ranged from 0 to as many as 16 hours! At age 7, 10% of the youngsters interviewed showed evidence of attention problems. The researchers caution that this does not mean that all of these children had or were destined to have ADHD. They did find, however, that --- even taking other possible influences on attention span into account --- as children's TV viewing increased, so did their risk of having attention problems.
The study did not examine the content of children's TV viewing. As a result, it's not clear whether watching educational programs, such as Sesame Street, had a negative effect on attention span.
Wiring The Brain For Speed?
Children's brains develop rapidly during the first few years of life, and are mlded by their environment. Scientists now believe that a young child's brain can be "shaped" by the type and intensity of the stimulation the child receives. In fact, animal research indicates that early experiences influence the number of connections (synapses) formed between brain cells. Repeated exposures to certain stimuli affect how the developing brain is "wired."
Researchers suspect that the rapid-fire images and quickly changing scenery and events shown on TV over-stimulate the young brain. They speculate that because the pace of real life is not nearly as fast or the events as lively as those on TV, kids accustomed to this highly stimulating entertainment may have difficulty sustaining attention in the real world. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages parents from allowing children under age two to watch TV.
Indicted On Many Counts:
Excessive TV viewing --- or videogame playing --- is not good for children of any age. Studies indicate that too much "screen time" reduces reading in later childhood and increases the risk of obesity and violent behavior. According to the AAP, excessive viewing of TV, movies on tape or DVD, and video games may also increase aggressive behavior, reduce physical activity, lead to altered body image, and increase the use of alcohol and drugs.
The pediatricians organization recommends that children be allowed to spend no more than 1 to 2 hours a day on "screen time" and that it be limited to quality programming.
SOURCE:
The following source was used in the preparation of this Kentroversy Paper . . .
PEDIATRICS HEALTH MONITOR - Spring 2005 (vol. 1 no. 1), pgs. 1 & 5.
television
Lucifer's Dream Box
ADHD
toddlers
children
A new study suggests that young children who frequently watch TV are more likely to develop a short attention span --- the central problem in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It's tempting to put a fussy toddler in front of the television set while you make meals or tend to other children. But you may want to think twice about using the "electronic babysitter" on a regular basis. New research indicates that young children who are frequently exposed to TV may develop attention problems later on --- and perhaps attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
ADHD was originally called attention-defeict disorder. But then hyperactivity was seen as a common occurance, and the name was changed. In the U.S., ADHD is the most common behavioral disorder of childhood, affecting an estimated 4% to 12% of children. A short attention span is the hallmark of the condition. Other symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting, overactivity, impulsiveness, inattention to detail, difficulty completing tasks, disorganization, and forgetfulness. Social activity and academics are both affected. The development of ADHD is believed to be influenced by both heredity and environmental factors.
Prime Suspect:
Pediatric health experts have been concerned for some time about a possible connection between early TV viewing and a short attention span. In a recent study researchers examined data from a survey of about 1,200 chilren. When the children were 1 and 3 years old, parents were asked about the children's TV exposure. At age 7, the kids were interviewed, and a standard test was used to determine if they had attention problems and/or hyperactivity.
The researchers considered other possible influences on the children's attention span. These included such factors such as whether the child was born at full term or was born prematurely, the stability of the home environment, the mother's use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy, the mother's age and emotional health, parental discipline methods, and how much the parents talked with, read to, and played with the child.
As a group, the children watched an average 2.2 hours of TV a day at age 1 and 3.6 hours per day at age 3. In both age groups, the number of hours viewed per day ranged from 0 to as many as 16 hours! At age 7, 10% of the youngsters interviewed showed evidence of attention problems. The researchers caution that this does not mean that all of these children had or were destined to have ADHD. They did find, however, that --- even taking other possible influences on attention span into account --- as children's TV viewing increased, so did their risk of having attention problems.
The study did not examine the content of children's TV viewing. As a result, it's not clear whether watching educational programs, such as Sesame Street, had a negative effect on attention span.
Wiring The Brain For Speed?
Children's brains develop rapidly during the first few years of life, and are mlded by their environment. Scientists now believe that a young child's brain can be "shaped" by the type and intensity of the stimulation the child receives. In fact, animal research indicates that early experiences influence the number of connections (synapses) formed between brain cells. Repeated exposures to certain stimuli affect how the developing brain is "wired."
Researchers suspect that the rapid-fire images and quickly changing scenery and events shown on TV over-stimulate the young brain. They speculate that because the pace of real life is not nearly as fast or the events as lively as those on TV, kids accustomed to this highly stimulating entertainment may have difficulty sustaining attention in the real world. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages parents from allowing children under age two to watch TV.
Indicted On Many Counts:
Excessive TV viewing --- or videogame playing --- is not good for children of any age. Studies indicate that too much "screen time" reduces reading in later childhood and increases the risk of obesity and violent behavior. According to the AAP, excessive viewing of TV, movies on tape or DVD, and video games may also increase aggressive behavior, reduce physical activity, lead to altered body image, and increase the use of alcohol and drugs.
The pediatricians organization recommends that children be allowed to spend no more than 1 to 2 hours a day on "screen time" and that it be limited to quality programming.
SOURCE:
The following source was used in the preparation of this Kentroversy Paper . . .
PEDIATRICS HEALTH MONITOR - Spring 2005 (vol. 1 no. 1), pgs. 1 & 5.
television
Lucifer's Dream Box
ADHD
toddlers
children
posted by Kentroversy at 7:41 AM
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