Studies show how time spent watching television varies between different age groups and cultures ( 1, 13).
By his/her high school graduation, the average teen will have spent more time watching television than in the classroom ( 2). The average Canadian child watches nearly 14 h of television each week ( 13). Television is an effective way of advertising products to children of various ages ( 12). Watching certain programs may encourage irresponsible sexual behaviour ( 11). There is a relationship between watching violent television programming and an increase in violent behaviour by children ( 2, 7).Įxcessive television watching contributes to the increased incidence of childhood obesity ( 8, 9).Įxcessive television watching may have a deleterious effect on learning and academic performance ( 10). Physicians can change and improve children’s television viewing habits ( 4).Ĭanadian children watch excessive amounts of television ( 5, 6). Still, physicians need to advocate continued research into the negative and positive effects of media on children and adolescents.Ĭurrent literature suggests the following: Not all television programs are bad, but data showing the negative effects of exposure to violence, inappropriate sexuality and offensive language are convincing ( 3). An individual child’s developmental level is a critical factor in determining whether the medium will have positive or negative effects. Television has the potential to generate both positive and negative effects, and many studies have looked at the impact of television on society, particularly on children and adolescents ( 1, 2).