Young people who are exposed to a wide variety of media may be at increased risk for health issues such as eating disorders, drug use, and early sexual activity.

On average, American children and teens spend more than six hours a day with media such as TV, computers, Internet, video games and VCR or DVD players -- more time than they spend per day receiving formal classroom instruction, says Dr. Victor C. Strasburger of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque. (Source: HealthDay News)

Dr. Strasburger urged parents to monitor their kids' access to media, and to supervise both what and how much they view. Computers, television sets, video games, and Internet connections should not be allowed in kids' bedrooms, he said, and children's access to electronic entertainment should be limited to two hours per day.

Labels: media_influences, children, parents

Posted By: Aspen/CRC