A study published in "Brain Imaging and Behavior" suggests that 'greater amounts' of TV viewing can lead to reduced amounts of cranial grey matter - home to the neurons that perform the bulk of our mental processing
The legendary Greek philosopher Plato often asserted that too much of a good thing was not only bad, but dangerous. This, in today's context, could be the ever-present TV - albeit the 'idiot-box,' the eternal baby-sitter, or surrogate mother, is also everyone's vicarious magic 'potion.' That there's a flip side to TV is obvious. TV has not only battered our values, it has also marginalised old-fashioned conversation, at home, and outside of it, including good habits, like reading, or watching a play. Many families have not only retreated into a shell to watch separate programmes; they have also gone into voluntary isolation, or cultural apartheid. Put simply, TV has swallowed so much of our time. It has, in so doing, left a whole generation bleary-eyed and edgy. Yet, not many people complain.
There's a monumental treasure trove of programmes on TV, also OTT, given the total volume of 'pro-gaming,' and sitting in front of this riveting electronic 'fireside.' It's a paradox, no less. While there's substantial evidence to support the thought that TV viewing can connect our children, our future, to society, TV, as studies suggest and corroborate, can also promote aggressiveness and obesity at the same time. So, the big question: what to do? Answer - just regulate your kids' TV viewing.
This isn't as easy as it sounds though, but you need not be a rocket scientist, or psychologist, to discover your child's personal learning style, or interests. The best way to bring balance is by giving your child the opportunity to learning what they do best and slowly 'weaning' them away from too much TV viewing.
Picture this. TV viewing in excess, as research suggests, is harmful for your kids. On the other hand, TV viewing may also be advantageous - because, TV and computer/video games connect children to the community. To 'rob' your child of 'entry' to what other children are involved in puts them at a disadvantage, when they go to school, or play with friends.
So, what is the remedy, any solution? Behavioural specialists suggest that you limit rather than eliminate your children's TV watching and video game-play. One hour a day during the school week, and not more than two hours on weekends, they aver, would be a reasonable goal to achieve for your child's TV viewing. Besides this, one would do well to find out what interests your child has and, thereafter, promote a strong physical programme aimed at fulfilling your child's likings and dislikes. It's ideal to provide your child the opportunity to learn what they do best. You could, with good effect, use background music for focus and calm - if your child is 'hyperactively-sensitive.' But, remember: the music you use should be soft and soothing. Not something that is too noisy, or loud. Also, don't forget to remove allergens from your child's diet. Because, what may be annoying, or upsetting, your child could be what they are eating.
A study published in "Brain Imaging and Behavior" suggests that 'greater amounts' of TV viewing can lead to reduced amounts of cranial grey matter - home to the neurons that perform the bulk of our mental processing. According to Ryan Dougherty, the study's lead researcher, "Individuals who watched, on average, about an hour and a half more daily television than their peers throughout mid-to-late adulthood saw their brain volume reduced by approximately 0.5 per cent." He adds, "That percentage may seem small, but prevailing scientific thought says preserving our brain integrity can prolong the time until we notice age-related cognitive decline."
Dougherty, who refers to himself as "a physical activity and exercise scientist," according to "Johns Hopkins Magazine," is interested in how walking, biking, swimming and other aerobic activities support brain health and delay age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. "Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, and theories suggest this may bring benefits, such as removing toxins and releasing hormones that trigger the creation of new neurons. And, unless your TV is mounted in front of a stationary bike, watching TV is a sedentary behaviour - the pastime of proverbial couch potatoes."
Dougherty, as "Johns Hopkins Magazine" verbalises, isn't ready to conclusively say binge-watching shrinks your brain. Still, he says, his findings contribute to a growing body of research warning about the dangers of excessive TV watching and echo research done by others using the longitudinal study data that point to a correlation between excessive TV viewing and 'poorer performance' on cognitive tests.
"The New York Times" puts it aptly, "A wave of new social science research shows that the quality of (TV) shows can influence us in important ways, shaping our thinking and political preferences, even affecting our cognitive ability. In this so-called golden age of television, some critics have pointed out that the best of the form is equivalent to the most enriching novels. (And) high-quality programming for children can be educational. But the latest evidence also suggests there can be negative consequences to our abundant watching, particularly when the shows are mostly entertainment. The harm seems to come not so much from the content itself but from the fact that it replaces more enlightening ways of spending time."
Now, the most important part - achieving the right 'balance.' This is half of the TV battle won. For your good and also your child's good. This will, in due course of time, become a useful channel for promoting good behaviour and useful skills rather than 'pills.' As philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe articulated, "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you will help them to become what they are capable of being." This timeless aphorism applies equally well to us, our kids, our sensitivities, or sensibilities, and also our TV viewing.
Nidamboor is a wellness physician, independent researcher and author
