http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090107/hl_nm/us_computer_kids
Researchers from Australia have recently found out that kids who use the TV and computer more than 2 hours a day have less endurance than kids who use these less. This study was used on 2,750 11-15 year-old students in Australia only, but certainly can be compared to American children as well. The researchers tested the children on a few basic running/fitness tests that all involved using their endurance. The researchers state this is clear-cut evidence and is certainly very accurate. The only difference is the 15 year old boys who are taller and have more muscle mass. This could very well prove that if you're a boy who is 15 years old or older than this study does not apply to you and your fitness could very well be good or bad in ways undetermined. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) agrees with the researchers' statements and tests.
I personally believe that these tests and results are accurate to a certain extent. I believe that too much TV and computer is bad for the health of children, but I have to disagree with the 2 hours part. I believe that this is too little and that children spend sometimes watching an entire football game or baseball game and those are almost always about 3 hours. There are games on almost every day if a child enjoys every sport or most sports. This for me is false and I'm confused on if this part is really true or not. I've met many kids in my life and I once was a kid too. Kids watch way more than 2 hours a day on average and they're still very active and healthy and their endurances are the same as others. I think people/researchers should focus more on getting kids more exercise in general and eating and drinking less and healthier foods and drinks. This too me is more important than just the amount of TV and computer time. While I agree that this research is mostly true, I wish people could focus on more important researches and realize that almost every child watches more than 2 hours of TV or uses the computer on average.
Video Example:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj5OSAx2mhI
1 comment:
I agree that too much TV and/or computer activity can be detrimental to a child's health. However I do not think that the exact amount of time spent using the computer or tv has as much of an effect as what the child is doing when not using the computer or tv. For example, say a parent believes this report and limits their child to 2 hours. When those 2 hours are up the child goes and sits on the floor with his or her toys, instead of going out side or doing something active. While this may be better for their mental development it wont help their physical endurance. So rather then limit a child to 2 hours of tv or computer, set a reasonable limit and/or make sure they get exercise of some sort. That will certainly help their physical endurance and fitness more then a 2 hour electronics limit.
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