Parents looking to get their kid's attention -- or keeping them focused at home and in the classroom -- should try to limit their television viewing and video game play. That's because a new study led by three Iowa State University psychologists has found that both viewing television and playing video games are associated with increased attention problems in youths. The research, which included both elementary school-age and college-age participants, found that children who exceeded the two hours per day of screen time recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics were 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be above average in attention problems. The researchers assessed 1,323 children in third, fourth and fifth grades over 13 months, using reports from the parents and children about their video game and television habits, as well as teacher reports of attention problems.
Another group of 210 college students provided self-reports of television habits, video game exposure and attention problems. Previous research had associated television viewing with attention problems in children. The new study also found similar effects from the amount of time spent with video games. The study showed that the effect was similar in magnitude between video games and TV viewing. Based on the study's findings, researchers conclude that TV and video game viewing may be one contributing factor for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Swing points out that the associations between attention problems and TV and video game exposure are significant, but small. The researchers plan to continue studying the effects of screen time on attention. They also hope future research can identify what aspects of television or video games may be most relevant to attention problems.
More information:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100706161759.htm
More information:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100706161759.htm