TV viewing related to attention deficit

More television viewing among children between the ages of 1 and 3, increases their risk of having attention problems at age 7. Each hour of television that preschoolers watch per day increases the risk of having attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle, inattention was another add on to the list of harmful effects of television viewing, which already include obesity and violent behaviour. Each hour of television viewing has an additional risk, therefore, it is impossible to say what a safe level of TV viewing would be for children between the ages of 1 and 3. Age plays a significant role as brain development continues during these years.Researchers collected data from 2,500 children who were covered in the study and found that they watched an average of 2.2 hours per day at age 1 and 3.6 hours per day at age 3. But some watched 12 hours or more. The study indicated that early exposure to television is closely associated with subsequent attention problems in children. In the United States 3 to 5 per cent of children are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, which is marked by reduced ability to concentrate, difficulty in organizing and impulsive behaviour. The symptoms do not typically show up until children are older, around age 7.
There is a tremendous and growing reliance on television for a variety of reasons. However parents should be advised to limit their young child's television viewing.