TVs = poor test scores; Computers = okay
A new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University indicates that third-graders with televisions in their bedrooms perform significantly more poorly on standardized tests than their peers without. Conversely, those with access to a home computer earn higher test scores. The differences persist regardless of the amount of time the students reported spending on homework.
The researchers found that more than 70 percent of the students reported having a television in their bedroom. These students scored between seven and nine points lower on standardized mathematics, reading and language arts tests than did their peers. Conversely, those with access to home computers scored between seven and nine points higher than those without.
“A television in a child’s bedroom has become the norm,” said Robinson. “From the parent’s perspective, it keeps kids amused and out of trouble. But with this arrangement parents are giving up any control of how much and what their children are watching. They have no idea if they’re watching all night, or if they’re watching violent or sexually explicit content, or content or advertising that promotes alcohol or drug use.”
Extracted from http://mednews.stanford.edu/releases/2005/july/kids-tv.htm
I would have thought it was obvious, but it's good to have some stats now. What third-graders are doing with a TV in their bedroom does baffle me indeed - watching cartoon network or their favorite HBO programs after hours?! What has happened to bedtime storytime and books in general? Parents who rely on machines to do proxy parenting are asking for trouble.
Knowing what I used to do with a TV, and what I now do on the computer, I would never give up on monitoring their media exposure.
I also don't want music in the background during study periods or to have playstations anywhere/anytime in the house -- but I've been told that might be a little totalitarian. ;-)
The researchers found that more than 70 percent of the students reported having a television in their bedroom. These students scored between seven and nine points lower on standardized mathematics, reading and language arts tests than did their peers. Conversely, those with access to home computers scored between seven and nine points higher than those without.
“A television in a child’s bedroom has become the norm,” said Robinson. “From the parent’s perspective, it keeps kids amused and out of trouble. But with this arrangement parents are giving up any control of how much and what their children are watching. They have no idea if they’re watching all night, or if they’re watching violent or sexually explicit content, or content or advertising that promotes alcohol or drug use.”
Extracted from http://mednews.stanford.edu/releases/2005/july/kids-tv.htm
I would have thought it was obvious, but it's good to have some stats now. What third-graders are doing with a TV in their bedroom does baffle me indeed - watching cartoon network or their favorite HBO programs after hours?! What has happened to bedtime storytime and books in general? Parents who rely on machines to do proxy parenting are asking for trouble.
Knowing what I used to do with a TV, and what I now do on the computer, I would never give up on monitoring their media exposure.
I also don't want music in the background during study periods or to have playstations anywhere/anytime in the house -- but I've been told that might be a little totalitarian. ;-)