It's Official!
TV Causes Attention
Disorders in Toddlers

By Emily Bouchard, MSSW and Sheena Berg, M. Ed.

The StepHero^™ Community Newsletter

A report in the November 2007 issue of Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, reveals that TV viewing for toddlers, 3 and under, is highly significant in determining whether the kids will have future attention disorders in school. The research study, conducted by Doctors Dimitri Christakis and Frederick Zimmerman of the University of Washington, showed that viewing of either violent or non-violent entertainment TV before the age of 3 was significantly associated with subsequent attention disorders, and the magnitude of the association was large. The study involved close to 1,000 children under 3 years old with parental observation questionnaires, and concluded that the only TV suitable for the under 3 age group should be of the educational type. Every hour per day that kids under 3 watched violent, child-oriented entertainment, their risk for attention disorders 5 years later doubled. Even non-violent shows such as Rugrats and The Flintstones increased the risk for attention disorders but not as significantly as for violent shows such as Power Rangers, Scooby Doo and Lion King. Violence was defined as hitting, fighting and kicking, or threatening violence, as central to the show or the main character. Educational shows such as Barney, Sesame Street, and Arthur, had no association with future attention disorders. The most interesting finding in the research was that the risks occurred only in children under 3, speculation being that brain development up to that point is highly active and influential. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no TV for children under 2 years old and limited TV for older kids. The study illustrates the importance of monitoring what kids are watching by being aware of content, even as shows are promoted as kid friendly. TV is often used as a babysitting device or a distraction for busy parents juggling a overly full schedule. In blended families, where there may be differences in parenting style and strategies, TV viewing may be a point of contention or disagreement. This study is a heads up for parents of kids under 3 to get on the same page and help their kids avoid future attention problems in school. If the under 3 year old has to watch TV, make sure it's Barney or Sesame Street; you'll be glad you made that choice.

Need help now? Contact one of our blended family coaches to schedule a session. Wishing you and your family all the best, Emily Bouchard, founder, www.Blended-Families.com