Many parents have raised concerns about the oversaturation of media and its effects on children and adolescents. An article published by Medical Daily, dated November 11, 2013, explores the issue in greater depth:
“In an acknowledgment of media’s increasing influence over the development of children, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends doctors inquire about media consumption during routine checkups, striving to balance possibly detrimental health effects with the benefits of new media. For nearly three decades, since the age of Captain Kangaroo, the Academy has expressed concern about media consumption among young children and adolescents in regards to quantity and content.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents that limited media consumption can be viewed as sustenance for the mind, and that media is a necessary component of today’s society.
However, pediatricians also stressed that parents balance any media use with outdoor play and, when possible, the use of imagination.”
Studies have proven that exposure to new media—whether it’s the Internet, video and computer games, cartoons, or smartphone apps—has a profound effect on the overall development of children and adolescents. To ensure the healthy psychological and physical development of children, board-certified pediatricians in Lone Tree, CO—like the friendly team at Lone Tree Pediatrics—recommend that parents monitor their children’s media consumption to ensure a healthy balance.
While the best of new media can educate children and inspire them to creative heights, the sad truth is that a lot of the media content children are exposed to is unsuitable for their consumption. According to a study conducted by a renowned pediatrician at the University of New Mexico, graphic depictions of violence and alcohol abuse can have a drastic effect on the mental and emotional development of children and adolescents. Additionally, violent television shows, movies, and games can desensitize children to real life violence.
Overexposure to media can also affect the physical development of children. An article by CBS News states that the growing problem of childhood obesity can be partially attributed to sedentary lifestyles. Children are more inclined to stay at home and watch TV or play computer games than they are to engage in physical activities outdoors.
A reliable pediatrician in Lone Tree can help parents manage their children’s overall well-being, including their physical, emotional, and mental health. By partnering with reputable pediatricians, parents can help ensure that their children grow into healthy, balanced adults.
(Article Excerpt and Image from Pediatricians Advised To Question Children’s Media Consumption During Routine Checkups; Medical Daily; November 11, 2013)
About Debra Berry
