Excessive TV And Computer Time Damage Child Mental Health

You would think this is so obvious that a study is unnecessary, yet parents all around the world are surprised to learn that excessive TV and computer time damages child mental health.

The story is even worse when the children do not get adequate exercise. A study, found in the Nursing Times.net, from Oct. 13, 2010, shows how the mental and social well-being of children suffers when they are in front of a screen for more than 2 hours a day.

I once read that the average child is exposed to 6 hours of screen time a day. This seem hard to believe, yet it probably is really the case. In fact, many teens spend countless hours gaming and practically live in their game room.

The study covered 5 areas: emotional difficulties, conduct problems, hyperactivity or inattention, friendships and peer groups, and problems relating to friends and peer groups.

When you think about it, when was the last time you saw a group of young adolescents playing kickball, hide-and-seek, kick-the-can or anything at all outside?

Whatever happened to the neighborhood gang who played until dark, only coming indoors reluctantly when their mother's voice sounded serious? These days it probably isn't even safe in many places to play outside.

So, what is a parent to do? Parent them, spend time with them doing things, take them places, make things together, go for bike rides, play ball, go swimming, take a hike, play catch, chase each other around a playground, etc.

Many parents have to work long hours, commute and maybe even work at home. Often both parents (if there are two!) have so many demands that it is hard to find time for such activities.

In the end, you pay now or you pay later. It is easier to pay now, when they are young. Paying later means that you visit counselors, talk to rehab advisors, school principals and such. The mental health of your child is well worth the effort.

It is not easy to take the time to spend with your child, but once you do, you lay the foundation for a lifetime. The connection you make with them will endure, even when they seem to break away from you and become independent.