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09/10/2012
Experts Urge Limiting Screen Time For Children
Experts have called for the amount of time children spend in front of screens to be limited in an effort to stave off development and health problems.
Leading psychologist Dr Aric Sigman says children of all ages are watching more screen media than ever, and starting earlier.
He says the average 10-year-old has access to five different screens at home, warning that as a result some are becoming addicted to them or depressed as a result.
Writing in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, Dr Sigman says a child born today will have spent a full year glued to screens by the time they reach the age of seven.
"In addition to the main family television, for example, many very young children have their own bedroom TV along with portable hand-held computer game consoles (eg, Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox), smartphone with games, internet and video, a family computer and a laptop and/or a tablet computer (eg iPad),” he says.
Adding: "Children routinely engage in two or more forms of screen viewing at the same time, such as TV and laptop."
Dr Sigman cites a string of published studies suggesting links between prolonged screen time and conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
But also suggests the effects go further than those simply associated with being sedentary for long periods, saying that prolonged screen time can lead to a reduction in attention span because of its effects on the brain chemical dopamine.
Dopamine is a key component of the brain's reward system and implicated in addictive behaviour and the inability to pay attention, Dr Sigman says it is produced in response to "screen novelty."
"Screen 'addiction' is increasingly being used by physicians to describe the growing number of children engaging in screen activities in a dependent manner," Dr Sigman says.
He says there are many questions remaining about the precise nature of the association between screen time and adverse outcomes, but adds: "The advice from a growing number of both researchers and medical associations and government departments elsewhere is becoming unequivocal - reduce screen time."
(H)
Leading psychologist Dr Aric Sigman says children of all ages are watching more screen media than ever, and starting earlier.
He says the average 10-year-old has access to five different screens at home, warning that as a result some are becoming addicted to them or depressed as a result.
Writing in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, Dr Sigman says a child born today will have spent a full year glued to screens by the time they reach the age of seven.
"In addition to the main family television, for example, many very young children have their own bedroom TV along with portable hand-held computer game consoles (eg, Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox), smartphone with games, internet and video, a family computer and a laptop and/or a tablet computer (eg iPad),” he says.
Adding: "Children routinely engage in two or more forms of screen viewing at the same time, such as TV and laptop."
Dr Sigman cites a string of published studies suggesting links between prolonged screen time and conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
But also suggests the effects go further than those simply associated with being sedentary for long periods, saying that prolonged screen time can lead to a reduction in attention span because of its effects on the brain chemical dopamine.
Dopamine is a key component of the brain's reward system and implicated in addictive behaviour and the inability to pay attention, Dr Sigman says it is produced in response to "screen novelty."
"Screen 'addiction' is increasingly being used by physicians to describe the growing number of children engaging in screen activities in a dependent manner," Dr Sigman says.
He says there are many questions remaining about the precise nature of the association between screen time and adverse outcomes, but adds: "The advice from a growing number of both researchers and medical associations and government departments elsewhere is becoming unequivocal - reduce screen time."
(H)
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22 May 2012
Screens Are Harming Children, Psychologist Says
Parents who let their children watch screens too much are "neglecting" them, according to a psychologist. Dr Aric Sigman said parents should restrict "screen time" much like salt intake, or they would risk "benign neglect".
Screens Are Harming Children, Psychologist Says
Parents who let their children watch screens too much are "neglecting" them, according to a psychologist. Dr Aric Sigman said parents should restrict "screen time" much like salt intake, or they would risk "benign neglect".
28 August 2013
Too Much Screen Time Affects Children's Wellbeing
Too much time in front of screens, including TV and computer games, combined with a sedentary lifestyle is taking its toll on our children's wellbeing and increasing their anxiety, according to a new Public Health England briefing paper.
Too Much Screen Time Affects Children's Wellbeing
Too much time in front of screens, including TV and computer games, combined with a sedentary lifestyle is taking its toll on our children's wellbeing and increasing their anxiety, according to a new Public Health England briefing paper.
08 December 2004
UK-wide rise in time taken to save for first house
It takes first time buyers six months longer to save for a house deposit when compared to the first quarter of 2004 and one year nine months longer than in 1994.
UK-wide rise in time taken to save for first house
It takes first time buyers six months longer to save for a house deposit when compared to the first quarter of 2004 and one year nine months longer than in 1994.
31 May 2007
Schools given powers to search for knives
Teachers have been given the right to search pupils for knives and offensive weapons, under new guidance announced by the government. The new power, which comes into force today, is being introduced alongside the ability for schools to screen pupils for violent weapons by the use of devices such as arches and 'wand' metal detectors.
Schools given powers to search for knives
Teachers have been given the right to search pupils for knives and offensive weapons, under new guidance announced by the government. The new power, which comes into force today, is being introduced alongside the ability for schools to screen pupils for violent weapons by the use of devices such as arches and 'wand' metal detectors.
16 August 2011
Tent Fumes Kill Woman In Wales
A woman has died after being overcome by fumes in a tent with her family in a campsite in Wales. North Wales Police were called to a caravan site in Gym Goch, Caernarfon, around 9:30am on Monday to assist paramedics who were attending the scene.
Tent Fumes Kill Woman In Wales
A woman has died after being overcome by fumes in a tent with her family in a campsite in Wales. North Wales Police were called to a caravan site in Gym Goch, Caernarfon, around 9:30am on Monday to assist paramedics who were attending the scene.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A generally dry and bright day with some sunny spells. However, thicker cloud could give patchy rain at first near North Channel coasts, perhaps the odd shower breaking out in the west later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Any showers in the west soon dying out, dry for most with some clear spells. Showery outbreaks of rain could develop across parts of the south overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
