London - Children who spend too much time in front of TV and computer screens are not only more likely to be obese, they are also more likely to be unhappy at home, researchers warn.
For every hour of screen time, the risk of family life being disrupted and children having poorer emotional wellbeing could double, an Australian study concluded.
Meanwhile, a separate US study found children whose mothers fail to restrict screen time are more likely to be obese aged seven and put on more weight over time.
More than 3 600 children took part in the first study at Deakin University, Melbourne, which looked at their use of electronic media between the ages of two and six and their wellbeing two years later. The team found the risk of emotional problems and poorer family functioning rose with each additional hour of electronic media use. At worst, the risk increased two-fold.
British experts said the findings strengthen calls for guidelines on maximum daily limits on screen time for children. In the US parents are advised children should watch less than two hours a day of educational programmes. - Daily Mail