Teens with TVs Engage in Unhealthy Habits

It may come as no surprise that teenagers with televisions in their rooms get less exercise than those without (1.8 hours per week versus 2.5 hours to be exact) but findings to be released in the May issue of Pediatrics show negative effects extend to eating habits, family engagement and schoolwork.

Studying a diverse group of 781 teens, researchers for the University of Minnesota School of Public Health Project Eating Among Teens (EAT) found that almost two-thirds of teens have a television in their bedroom. Those that did watched between four and five more hours of television each week. They also ate fewer vegetables and fruit and had fewer meals with their family.

Grades also suffered. Students with their own televisions spent less time studying and had lower grade point averages (2.6 versus 2.9).

The study's authors recommend refraining from passing along old television sets to teens and even removing existing sets.

ABSTRACT: Characteristics Associated With Older Adolescents Who Have a Television in Their Bedrooms