Children who spend hours watching television or playing video games do worse at school, scientists claim. In the largest study of its kind, the habits of almost half a million children across the globe were analysed. Generally, time spent on screens, including mobile phones, did not affect academic performance. However, children who chose to watch the TV or play video games in the majority of their free time did suffer worse grades at school, the study found.
Lead author Dr Mireia Adelantado-Renau, of University Jaume I in Castellon, Spain, said: 'Each screen-based activity should be analysed individually for its association with academic performance. 'Education and public health professionals should consider supervision and reduction to improve the academic performance of children and adolescents exposed to these activities.'
The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reviewed 58 studies from 23 countries involving 480,000 youngsters under the age of 18. Further analysis suggested these screen-based activities have a greater effect on adolescents than children. Television viewing may reduce how much youngsters use their brain, compared to if they were exercising, the researchers said.
'In addition, excessive television viewing time among children has been shown to decrease attention and cognitive functioning and to increase behavioral problems and unhealthy eating habits, which may also impair academic outcomes,' the authors said.
Video games, on the other hand, may trigger psychological and behavioural problems, implicating a child's schooling.
