As a practitioner, frequently, I face the question Can Too Much TV Cause ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? So, I will try to show you what attention deficit disorder causes.
Since it arrived on the scene, TV has been the devil’s instrument, corrupting our children’s minds, and has been accused of everything. So with every passing accusation, parents can become more concerned. It has been three years since Pediatrics’s ground-breaking study was released, and it may be time for a refresher.
TV shows would imply that any age of watching is safe, with some being aimed directly at babies. Still, there are growing concerns that television increases violent and sexual behavior, obesity, negative stereotypes, desensitization to drug and alcohol use, sleep problems, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and increasing fear of the world.
I can tell you that my fear of the world was probably not fuelled by a bit of kid’s programming. (I don’t remember any drive-bys on the corner of Sesame Street) But some serious issues can arise if you do not monitor the content your children are viewing.
The first thing to understand is that kids should stay far from the TV between the age of 1 and 3. This is when their brains rapidly develop, and children should be interacting with parents, learning to communicate, snuggling, and drooling. However, the studies that showed this concern did not prove that children watching more TV at that age weren’t because they already had ADHD – and enjoyed the distraction – or not.
Attention deficit disorder causes- can too much TV cause ADHD? So I will tell you to be cautious:
Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, is a medical condition characterized by problems with focus, concentration, and impulsiveness. While the exact cause of ADD is unknown, it is believed to be caused by genetic and environmental factors. One of the most common environmental factors linked to ADD is exposure to television.
Research has shown that children who watch much TV are more likely to develop attention problems later in life. One study even found that children who watched more than three hours of TV daily were twice as likely to develop attention problems as those who watched less than one hour a day. While the exact mechanism by which TV causes ADD is unknown, it is thought that TV’s fast-paced, stimulating nature can overstimulate the brain and lead to attention problems.
So, if you’re concerned about your child’s TV habits, it may be worth limiting their screen time. But, of course, ADD is a complex condition.
But there’s nothing wrong with television as long as you set limits. Don’t disregard child programming, however. You would be surprised at the level of sexuality and violence in kids’ shows. So even if it drives you crazy, watch what your kids watch. And if you notice mature themes, maybe you could talk about them afterward and ensure your children get the right message. The main reason for doing this is to identify the main cause of ADHD.
But keep everything limited! No TV until chores/homework is done. No TV at dinner. Try and encourage watching one half-hour or hour show, then turn the television off, and turn back to your family. The TV is a great source of information, but if your son’s best friend is SpongeBob SquarePants, things might be going too. So, attention deficit disorder causes may differ according to type, instances, and duration.
Recommended Book On Amazon: What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life