Good news for parents worried about their kids watching too much TV — screen time doesn't seem to be affecting their kids' attention or activity.
To assess the impact of screen time on a child's psyche, scientists at the University of Auckland conducted two studies involving 3,787 New Zealand children and their parents. In the first of these, experts studied the potential connection of gadgets with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children aged 2 years and older, in the second — 4.5 years.
Scientists conducted a survey of participants in order to find out how much time they spend at TV, as well as their habits associated with watching cartoons and TV shows. The children also underwent a series of tests to determine the symptoms of hyperactivity and attention deficit.
The results showed that more than two hours of screen time did not cause behavioral problems. However, scientists have made another discovery: children 4.5 years and older with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder spend more time watching TV compared to their peers without such problems. According to the authors of the study, this suggests that watching TV does not cause such symptoms, it just calms hyperactive children.
Demonstrative child
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“Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have a harder time interacting with their peers and TV may be a less stressful alternative for them. In addition, they find it difficult to concentrate on activities such as reading. Bright colors and the dynamics of the action on the screen may cause them more interest,” the scientists believe.
Earlier, American scientists conducted a study that also confirmed that fears about the negative impact of screen time on the child’s psyche are greatly exaggerated. Researchers have found little association between increased screen time and reduced academic performance, decreased sleep duration, and behaviors with signs of attention deficit disorder.
However, more screen time was associated with more friends on social media. The researchers suggest that «the social nature of this use of screen time strengthens relationships between peers and allows them to stay connected even when they are not together.»