Too much screen time 'risks children's mental health'

Children who spend longer than two hours a day in front of a computer or TV are more likely to suffer psychological difficulties than other youngsters, a UK study suggests. Researchers said they also found that physical exercise did not make up for too much screen time.  The University of Bristol study, published in Pediatrics, involved more than 1,000 children aged about 10.  Its lead author said a two-hour screen limit per day was a sensible guideline.  Researchers measured the time children spent in front of a screen as well as their psychological well being using a questionnaire.  In addition, an activity monitor recorded both children's sedentary time and moderate physical activity over seven consecutive days.
University of Bristol - The questionnaires contained 20 questions covering five sections - emotional difficulties, conduct problems, hyperactivity or inattention, friendships and peer groups and problems relating to friends and peer groups.  The study found that those children who spent more than two hours per day watching TV or using a computer were at an increased risk of psychological difficulties.  This risk increased if they also failed to meet the guidelines on physical activity.