5 Reasons to Ban Television from Your Child’s Room

Feng Shui says “No televisions in the bedroom.”  A recent article in the New York Times, “A One-Eyed Invader in the Bedroom”, cites scientific studies on the effects of TV in children’s bedrooms.

50-70% of American children have a television in their own room.

Children with televisions in their rooms:

            Score lower in school tests

            Are more likely to have sleep problems

            Are more likely to be overweight

            Are at higher risk for smoking when they get older; 42% versus 16%.

Viewing time for children with TV’s in their room increases approximately 25% from 21 hours per week to 30. Many parents underestimate this increase.

Another study notes that young children with bedroom televisions have a dampened response to stimuli. While this may look, at the time, like the children are calmer, I wonder if this may contribute to thrill-seeking behaviors later on.

Of note: decrease in television viewing did not increase exercise levels.

Small televisions are relatively inexpensive these days. Or it is tempting to give the old TV to your child when you upgrade your own.  Think twice about this. Leonard H. Epstein, professor of pediatrics at SUNY Buffalo, said that in their survey experience “it is often hard for parents to remove a television set from a child’s bedroom.”

By sharing these facts with you, you can make the best choice for you and your family.