Clinic Core. Original Papers
Screen-viewing abuse impact on mental development
Authors:
Vara Robles Ea, Pons Grau Rb, Lajara Latorre Fc, Molina SMd, Villarejo Romera Ve, Planas Sanz Ef
aPediatra. Servicio de Pediatría. Área Básica de Salud Nova Lloreda. Badalona, Barcelona. España.
bEnfermera pediátrica. Servicio de Pediatría. Área Básica de Salud Nova Lloreda. Badalona, Barcelona. España.
cEnfermera pediátrica. Servicio de Pediatría. Área Básica de Salud Nova Lloreda. Badalona, Barcelona. España.
dPediatra. Servicio de Pediatría. Área Básica de Salud Nova Lloreda. Badalona, Barcelona. España.
eEnfermera pediátrica. Servicio de Pediatría. Área Básica de Salud Apenins-Montigalà. Badalona, Barcelona. España.
fEnfermera pediátrica. Servicio de Pediatría. Área Básica de Salud Apenins-Montigalà. Badalona, Barcelona. España.
Correspondence: E Vara. Email: eduardvara@terra.es
Reference of this article.:
Vara Robles E, Pons Grau R, Lajara Latorre F, Molina SM, Villarejo Romera V, Planas Sanz E. Impacto del abuso de pantallas sobre el desarrollo mental. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 2009;11:413-23.
Published in Internet: 30/09/2009
Abstract:
Objective: the present study examines anthropometric measurements, mental development and social skills in children exposed to screen-viewing (television, video games, computer).
Methods: one hundred and thirty interviews were addressed to children aged 5 to 10 years. Information about gender, age, family, screen-viewing time, sport-practicing time, anthropometric measurements, responsibility punctuation, sociability punctuation and Goodenough’s test (as estimation of intelligence quotient) was collected.
Results: multiple regression models showed a statistically significant association between body mass index (BMI) and television and video viewing time (B = 0.06; p = 0.05) and between BMI and computer and videogame use time (B = 0.34; p < 0.01), as well as between estimated intelligence quotient and computer and video game use time (B = -1.67; p = 0.02).
Conclusions: screen-viewing abuse is associated with a higher risk of overweight. Electronic games abuse is associated with a lower intelligence quotient. Wide strategies to warn families about these risks are needed.
Keywords: Video games. Computer. Television. Body Mass Index. Child. Intelligence.
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