TV Time Affects Teen Relationships

 Watching too much television or spending excess time on the computer can affect a teen's relationship with both their parents and their friends.

A confidential questionnaire was given to more than 3,000 adolescents ages 14 and 15 in New Zealand asking about their television and computer habits, as well as an assessment of their attachment to parents and peers. Responses showed the risk of having low attachment to parents and peers increased by 4 percent for every hour spent watching television and increased by 5 percent for every hour spent playing on a computer.

Teens who spent more time reading and doing homework reported having a higher level of attachment to parents.

"Given the importance of attachment to parents and peers in adolescent health and development, concern about high levels of screen time among adolescents is warranted," study authors wrote.
"With the rapid advance of screen-based options for entertainment, communication and education, ongoing research is needed to monitor the effect that these technologies have on social development and psychological and physical well-being among adolescents."

A child should never have a television set in his or her bedroom, as it promotes watching too much TV and separates the child from the family.