TVs = poor test scores; Computers = okay

[regnet]

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

Comments

[nekonexus]

My brother's best friend had a TV and a computer (post-Atari, but pre-hard drive) in his bedroom when we were 8-10. The TV had a satellite hookup as well (cable being unavailable in the region). The best friend, who had a nanny but was otherwise left to his own devices, was always rebellious, did poorly in school, etc.

My brother and I, on the other hand, weren't even allowed to turn on the TV (there was only one, in the living room) until homework was done. Music was ok, if it was classical, or kept soft. Later on we acquired a Sega and NES, but same rules applied -- no gaming unless homework was done.

Homework always got done. Gaming was a stress relief, used in moderation. TV was more exciting, because you had to work to earn the right to see your favourite show on time if you had a lot of homework.

It's sad that it has taken this long for such a problem to be recognized and publically stated. It's not a new phenomenon by any means -- but it's much more rampant now as TVs become cheaper and cheaper (portable, with DVD player, even...) and the media caters more and more to the twelve-teen generation.