Report Reveals Negative Impact of Media on Children

Common Sense Media has released a report today that suggests excessive exposure to media can lead to a variety of health problems for children. The report analyzed data from reputable studies over the last 30 years and found a negative link between media and children's health in 80% of them, with obesity looming large over other problems like academic performance, sexual behavior, and drug and alcohol abuse.

While standing in line for the airplane lavatory on my flight back from Boston last night, I was amazed to see an extraordinary number of video screens illuminating the cabin.  Considering I wasn't flying an airline that provides each passenger with their own entertainment unit, the glow came from the vast array of laptops, video games, ipods, and other toys that people, many of them kids, had brought with them.  While I can't say I was only staring at paper myself, I had to wonder what the impact this digital deluge was having on us, and the kids in particular.  Well, I guess this study answers that.
takepart by following Common Sense Media's Gift Guide when considering digital presents for kids this holiday season.

Photo: Alex Campo's Flickr Photostream (Creative Commons)