Research published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (July 2005) suggests that excessive television viewing may negatively affect a child’s ability to learn. The article reviewed several studies examining television exposure and academic performance.
One study evaluated approximately 400 third-grade students in California. Children who had a television in their bedroom scored an average of eight points lower on standardized math and language tests compared to children without a television in their room. Interestingly, students who had both a television and a computer performed better academically, while those who had a television but no computer performed worse.
Another study followed nearly 1,800 American children and found that those who watched more than three hours of television per day before the age of three had lower intelligence and academic test scores at ages six and seven compared to children who watched less television.
A third study from New Zealand reported lower educational attainment in adults who had watched large amounts of television during childhood. However, the authors noted an important limitation: children who are less motivated academically may be more likely to watch excessive television. As a result, this study cannot determine whether television viewing causes poorer academic outcomes or simply reflects underlying differences in motivation or learning ability.
