I have three children under the age of 7, and they watch a lot of television. I'm worried that it's too much. Should I limit their TV viewing?
- Kylie

Television can be a source of learning and entertainment. But studies have shown that too much TV can make kids more likely to be obese — and, depending on the content, more aggressive.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that older kids not watch more than 1-2 hours of TV or video per day, and that kids under age 2 not watch any television. They also recommend that the shows children watch be nonviolent and educational. Above all, TV shouldn't be a substitute for activities like playing, exercising, or reading.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: February 2010

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