Scientists began following hundreds of children in New Zealand from 1973 until they were 45 years old. According to the study results, children and adolescents who spent a lot of time watching TV used oxygen less efficiently during exercise, had higher blood pressure, and were more likely to be obese in middle age.
Dr Bob Hancox said the study did not prove that TV viewing caused these health problems, but there may be a reason why the two are linked. Children with higher screen time tend to be less physically active because they spend more time sitting, increasing their risk of being overweight. They may also have poor eating habits because they see junk food commercials.
At the time the study began, there were fewer device options than there are today. But experts say the findings still provide important information for parents today about helping their children become more physically active.
Parents should pay attention to their children's screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting unnecessary screen time, watching with children, focusing on content and communicating while watching to support children's emotional, social, and brain development.
Screen time is unavoidable for children, but it's important to set guidelines or expectations for your child about screen time and how to use it, says Veronica Johnson, MD, assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at Northwestern Medicine.
Parents can also focus on factors related to screen time that may lead to problems later in life, such as diet and physical activity. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends drinking fruit juice instead of sugary drinks and vegetables instead of fast food.
Families can increase physical activity by spending time at the park or incorporating it into their daily routine. For example, instead of driving, parents can walk their children to school or walk to work. This is better than just lying on the couch or sitting in the living room watching a device.
With screens everywhere, using devices isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Developmentally appropriateeducational programs, video chats, and video workouts offer health benefits that offer a different level of interaction and stimulation than passive TV viewing.
(According to ABC News)
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