Children today routinely have their own televisions and video game systems in the comfort and privacy of their bedrooms. Here’s the reality: Thirty-seven percent of kids ages eight to 18 have cable or satellite TV. A whopping 20 percent have premium channels.
A TV in a child’s room encourages behaviors like later bedtimes, and also makes it extremely difficult for parents to monitor and guide their children toward healthy choices, according to Laina Callentine, M.Ed., M.D.
“The battle is a challenging one,” Callentine told LifeZette. “We are teaching our kids lessons that we never had to learn growing up [about technology]. It is a brave new world.”
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In her opinion, TVs in a bedroom regardless of age is concerning. “Media in the bedroom can really affect sleep hygiene,” she said, noting that the National Sleep Foundation says sleep hygiene consists of a “variety of different practices and habits necessary” for strong sleep quality at night, and full daytime alertness.
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