The introduction to a study released today in the journal Pediatrics states, "Screen-media use has been associated with youth alcohol use, precocious sexual practices, negative body concept, eating disorders, aggressive behaviors, worsened educational achievement,and higher BMI." Scary stuff, right? So, there's good reason to monitor what kids are watching and set effective TV/screen time limits. But, are parental rules regarding TV time actually effective? Led by Susan A. Carlson, MPH the researchers in this study took a look at the influence of parental limit-setting and participation in physical activity on youth screen time
The study goes on to conclude that parental rules can be effective, "However, it is not just the presence or absence of rules that is important but also the consistency of the rules and whether children and adolescents are aware of the rules." So, if parents set good rules, tell the kids about the rules, and enforce the rules consistently, the rules will work. Did we really need a study to tell us that? Probably not, but the research is still important.
The study lays groundwork for future research on the subject of kids and media. Also, the publicity puts the topic in the spotlight once again, and reminds us that parents do make a difference. We must be proactive in monitoring and limiting kids' media consumption according to our own family values, and more importantly, in teaching our kids to make good media decisions themselves.
Source: Susan A. Carlson, MPH, Janet E. Fulton, PhD, Sarah M. Lee, PhD, John T. Foley, PhD, Carrie Heitzler, PhD, Marion Huhman, PhD. "Influence of Limit-Setting and Participation in Physical Activity on Youth Screen Time." Pediatrics Vol. 126 No. 1 July 2010.
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