Michael+L.

Teens and Technology

Ever since the very first [|Phonograph], technology has made a great leap forward in the pass couple of decades. When comparing the first phonograph, to cell phones as thin as a pencil or the first black and white T.V. to the Digital T.V. it seems almost laughable that these could be considered technology. And to people back then it did make sense, but not now. The more that our civilization grows in knowledge, the more technology does as well. We as humans are living in what is known as the age of technology, the age of knowledge. And it is true our species, has come a very long way. What we have now, people of the past would have only dreamed of. And I am certain that almost every one is guilty of taking technology for granted, I know that I am. But to any medicine there are bound to be side effects as well. Children in our society have become more prone to obesity, and mental disorders. This is mainly due to technology, specifically T.V.

In our society, an average child between the ages 2-5 spends about 32 hours watching T.V. Kids around the ages 6-11 spend about 28 hours a week either watching T.V., movies or playing a console (Ron 1). These statistics are staggering and it is because of this that children of all ages are becoming more prone to disorders.

Kids start watching T.V. at a very young age, this in turn might have some effects on the brain and the child’s cycological behavior. Researchers have been trying to figure out if T.V. viewing might be linked to any cycological disorders. Experts however, still do not know much about how television affects children. Some studies support the idea that viewing T.V early in a child’s life might heighten the risk of attention problems such as [|ADHD] (2 Facts). Another study found that viewing T.V. at age three through five had slightly raised reading scores. In addition, having a T.V. can lessen the chance of a child reading. Reading requires much more from the brain than watching T.V. does. If children only watch T.V. then it can lessen the chance of reading and heighten the chance of poor brain development.
 * Can T.V. affect a child’s brain development?**


 * How does the Violence on T.V. affect children?**

There have been thousands of studies, on whether or not T.V. violence is linked to real life violence. And almost all the studies, have declared that T.V. violence __is__ a contributing factor to aggressive behavior and violence. An average American child sees 200,000 violent acts and 16,000 murders on TV by age 18 (Roy 1). Two-thirds of all programming contains violence - Even in G-rated, animated movies, violence is common it is usually used as a way for the good guys to solve their problems. - Every single U.S. animated feature film produced between 1937 and 1999 contained violence, and the amount of violence with intent to hurt has increased through out the years. - Repeated exposure to TV violence makes children less sensitive toward its effects on victims and the human suffering it causes. Viewing TV violence can lead to more aggressive behavior and violence (Roy 1).

** Does T.V. affect children's health? ** Yes, when children are watching T.V. they see close to about 20,000 ads a year. A big part of the 20,000 are on food advertisements (Roy 1). These food advertisements usually contain unhealthy food products that are high on calories and low in nutrition. While watching T.V. children have more of a tendency to “snack” on chips or other unhealthy foods. This coupled with low physical activity can heighten the risks of obesity and adult weight problems. A study by the [|University of Michigan], showed that, kids watching T.V. burned less calories than resting. This means that a child watching T.V. will burn less calories than a child just sitting in place. This shows how much T.V. can affect a child’s health and why you should try to prevent the number of hours your child spends in front of a T.V. Television can also affect the way that your child sleeps. And can cause many, health issues. [|Sleep deprivation] is one of the major cases of T.V. viewing and it can lower your child's immunity making them more susceptible to viruses, and it increases the risk of mental disorders( 2 Facts).

media type="youtube" key="xFLP_MoLYow" height="203" width="335" This is a video that shows the link between T.V. watching and obesity.

media type="youtube" key="dFMk17nDUVM" height="272" width="337" This is another video that shows the effects of violent video games, on teens brains.

In my opinion, I think that any parents out there, that have children should limit the amount of time that their kids spend watching T.V. I also think that they should try their hardest to keep their kids in as many sports as they can because this can help limit the possibility that their children will become obese. Sports also help children learn life lessons and teamwork via team sports. And can also help children's physical, mental and social well being. [|More on how T.V. effects obesity]. [|More on how violence effects children]. [|More on how advertisement effects childrens health].
 * Conclusion: **
 * Want to know more? You can find info at the following websites.**


 * Works cited**

Ron Kaufman. "Television Is Responsible for the Obesity Epidemic." //Opposing Viewpoints: Television.// San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. //Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center//. Web. 11 Feb. 2010< http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/>.

Kendall, Peggy. “Teens Value Technology.” //Opposing Viewpoints: Americas Youth.// Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. //Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center.// Web. 4 Feb. 2010 .

“Internet Threats to Children Are Increasing.” //At Issue: Does the Internet Increase the Risk of Crime//? San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. //Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center.// Web. Feb. 2010 .

Stager Gary. “Social Networking Plays an Important Role in Young People’s Lives.” //At Issue: Should Social Networking Websites Be Banned?// Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. //Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center.// Web. 4 Feb. 2010 .

Roy F. Fox. "Advertising Is Harmful to Children." //Opposing Viewpoints: Advertising//. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. //Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center//. Web. 11 Feb. 2010 .

"New Findings on TV and Hyper and Inattentive Kids." //Encyclopedia.// //Issues & Controversies//. Facts On File News Services, Apr. 2004. Web. 11 Feb. 2010. .