What are the risks of watching TV and movies?

During 50 years of research on the effects of watching television and movies, researchers have discovered a number of risks.

Researchers agree that most of the concern over children watching television is about what  they see, not how much time they spend watching. What concerns most people is that seeing violence in the media will lead children to copy this violence.

Learn more about research on violence

Some people are concerned that watching too much television will lead to children becoming overweight. In most studies, researchers have found that the more television a child watches, the more risk they have of becoming overweight. However, they are not sure whether it is because watching TV is usually a sedentary activity, because children tend to eat more while they watch, or because the foods that are advertised to children are usually unhealthy.

Learn more about research on media and overweight

 

Next: What are the benefits of watching TV and movies?

 

CMCH resources for parents and teachers are made possible
by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.