Media Influence Study

In a recently released meta-analysis, investigators from the National Institutes of Health, Yale University, and the California Pacific Medical Center examined 173 different studies on the effects of various media and how they impacted children. The media was primarily television, but also included video games, film, music, and computers.

A link can be found here: New Study: Exposure to Media Damages Children's Long-Term Health Common Sense Media

In 80% of the studies, greater media exposure was linked to negative health outcomes for children and adolescents.

Eighty-six percent of 73 studies found a statistically significant relationship between increased exposure to media and obesity risk, while 88% of 24 studies found such a link with tobacco use. Increased media exposure was linked to drug use in 75% of eight studies, alcohol use in 80% of 10 studies, low academic achievement in 65% of 31 studies, sexual behavior in 93% of 14 studies, and ADHD in 69% of 13 studies.

One of the statements made was “The recommendations from the study urge parents to place limits on the amount of media their kids consume, as well to make smart, age-appropriate choices.”

I think this will only work when the adults heed the same advice. Too much media has a detrimental affect on adults as well!