Attention Problems in Children Linked to TV and Video Games

A new study just out in this month's issue of Pediatrics finds children who spent more than three hours watching TV or playing video games were significantly more likely to have attention problems.

Iowa State University psychology doctoral student Edward Swing and Associate Professor of Psychology Douglas Gentile studied video game and television exposure of 1323 third, fourth, and fifth graders over a 13-month period, as well as 210 college students. TV exposure and video gaming for the middle childhood group was reported by parents and children, and attention issues were reported by teachers. College students provided self-reports of TV viewing, video game play, and perceived attention problems. The ISU researchers found that children who exceeded the two hours per day of screen time recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics were 1.5 to 2 times more likely to be above average in attention problems; college students showed a similar association, suggesting that TV exposure or video gaming may have lasting consequences.

According to Swing, "It is still not clear why screen media may increase attention problems, but many researchers speculate that it may be due to rapid-pacing, or the natural attention grabbing aspects that television and video games use."

Gentile reports that the pace of television programming has been quickened by "the MTV effect."

"When MTV came on, it started showing music videos that had very quick edits -- cuts once every second or two," Gentile said. "Consequently, the pacing of other television and films sped up too, with much quicker edits."

He says that quicker pace may have some brain-changing effects when it comes to attention span.

"Brain science demonstrates that the brain becomes what the brain does," Gentile said. "If we train the brain to require constant stimulation and constant flickering lights, changes in sound and camera angle, or immediate feedback, such as video games can provide, then when the child lands in the classroom where the teacher doesn't have a million-dollar-per-episode budget, it may be hard to get children to sustain their attention."

The study showed that the effect was similar in magnitude between video games and TV viewing.

TV, video games may contribute to ADHD
Based on the study's findings, Swing and Gentile conclude that TV and video game viewing may be one contributing factor for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

"ADHD is a medical condition, but it's a brain condition," Gentile said. "We know that the brain adapts and changes based on the environmental stimuli to which it is exposed repeatedly. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to believe that environmental stimuli can increase the risk for a medical condition like ADHD in the same way that environmental stimuli, like cigarettes, can increase the risk for cancer."

"Although we did not specifically study the medical condition of ADHD in these studies, we did focus on the kinds of attention problems that are experienced by students with ADHD," added Swing. "We were surprised, for example, that attention problems in the classroom would increase in just one year for those children with the highest screen time." (for full story see ISU News Service.

The report appears in the August issue of Pediatrics

Back To School

The 1st week of school is over—how did your children (and you) fare? Naturally it can be difficult getting back on track after a leisurely summer, but for some, specifically those with ADD or AD/HD, transitioning into the structured school routine can be especially challenging. If back to school week was a bit rough, try some of the suggestions below this week to help your child adjust to the demands of the new school year:

Get Enough Shut Eye –
A solid night’s sleep helps your child feel refreshed and alert. Inadequate sleep can make your child frustrated, irritable and may cause him to be unable to keep impulses in check. While each child’s needs differ, generally preschoolers require 11-13 hours of sleep per night; children 5-12 years old need 10-11 hours; preteens-teens 8.5-9.5 hours per night. Establishing a regular sleep schedule by going to bed the same time and waking the same time helps develop a better sleep cycle that will help your child stay attentive and sharp throughout the school day.

Fuel Your Brain and Your Body –
Getting the kids off to school in the am can be very hectic and stressful, however it’s important to start them off with a healthy breakfast – fruit, whole grain cereal, oatmeal, and eggs are some good choices. A healthy diet helps neurotransmitters—our brain’s chemical messengers-- to work efficiently, affecting memory, learning, and behavior. Studies show that kids who eat a balanced breakfast perform better in school.

Keep The Snacks Healthy –
It’s not easy to sell your kids on an apple or low-fat string cheese when they are bombarded daily by slick ads for sugar-laden snacks. TV junk food ads are designed for and directed at our kids. Even purported “healthy” nutrition bars often contain trans fats, high fructose corn syrup and a large percentage of sugar and saturated fat. Become a food detective. Always analyze the labels. Be on guard for the words “partially hydrogenated oils.” Even though the nutritional facts label panel reads “0 grams of trans fats” anything partially hydrogenated indicates that the product does contain trans fats; FDA guidelines permit products containing less that .5mg of trans fats per serving to list on the panel “0 grams of trans fats.” Remember, even small amounts add up. Trans fats raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Offer your kids fruit smoothies, nuts, trail mixes, or popcorn. Or, try making your own healthy snacks. Most kids of course will want the snacks that tantalize them at the supermarket or on TV, and an occasional treat is ok, but the more you incorporate these healthy foods and stress the importance of avoiding eating processed foods, the easier it will be over time to help them make the right choices on their own.

Brain Food Exercise
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and delivers oxygen and nutrients, helping to improve brain function and performance. Children who exercise are less likely to be disruptive – elevated neurotransmitters following a workout help with focus, impulsivity and promote a sense of calm. After school, encourage the kids to get outside and play for a bit, let them burn up some of the pent up energy from sitting at their desks all day – you’ll find it may help improve focus for the day’s homework.

Avoid Electronic Over Stimulation
Kids are barraged with sensory overload from the TV, cell phones, text messaging, I-Pods, handheld electronic games, video game systems, etc. A heavy diet of electronics over stimulates the auditory and visual senses leaving many children unable to concentrate, follow directions and/or complete assignments or tasks at school or at home. Set limits—better yet, put the video games away for a rainy day or the weekend.

Organize Your Child (and Yourself)
Establish a work area and schedule that your child can stick to to finish homework in a timely manner. Parents, prepare lunches and snacks, sign off on papers, etc. the night prior; have your children select their clothes for the next school day; place backpacks, shoes, etc. in one easy access location. You’ll find just a few minutes spent in the evening will help reduce stress levels in the am and make the mad dash to the bus a little less hectic. You’ll rest easy knowing that nothing has been left behind and that your kids are off to school with a clear head, ready to face the challenges of the day.

I hope these tips help make this week and those to follow a bit smoother for your family and wish your child much success in this new school year!

-- Dr. Chiappino