Fast-paced TV shows are not harmful

The concentration levels of pre-schoolers are not adversely affected by fast-paced television programmes, a study has concluded.

Research carried out at Keele University, which was presented at the British Psychological Society's Development Psychology Section annual conference in Amsterdam, looked at whether or not behavioural problems in three to four-year-olds are partly brought on by their TV viewing habits.

The study, which has generated notable media coverage since its release, pointed out that the pace of children's television shows has "rapidly increased" in recent years.

However, researchers found no evidence that this change has had a harmful effect on the behaviour of youngsters in the short-term.

Dr Alexandra Lamont, lead author of the study, described the findings as both "reassuring" and "important", as they showed fast-paced TV shows "sustain children's attention and may even give them a slight boost in ability to undertake other tasks".

She acknowledged that many questions regarding this "complex area" still need to be answered, but said this study provides evidence that refutes one popular myth about children's relationship with technology.

Do you have a view on this news story? Then sign in to our website to submit a comment (comments are moderated).

Anyone can join the BPS, from just £10 a year. Our members and subscribers enjoy a range of benefits, including electronic access to the Society's monthly magazine The Psychologist.

You can find full details of the different member and subscriber packages, including details of how to apply, on this website.

The Society publishes news stories to provide informed comment on the latest psychology research and to give a psychological angle on the day’s news. For more in-depth coverage of research, see our award-winning Research Digest blog.

Open all references in tabs: [1 - 6]

Leave a Reply