Study: Fast-Paced Kids’ TV Can Cause Short-Term Attention Problems
A new study of 4-year-old children found that just nine minutes spent watching fast-paced shows like the Nickelodeon television program SpongeBob SquarePants can cause short-term learning and attention problems, The Associated Press reports.
The study, which was published online in the journal Pediatrics, was small, researchers caution (only 60 children were involved), so the results should be taken with a grain of salt. But the findings did show that children who watched SpongeBob scored measurably worse on mental function and impulse control tests than children who either watched the slower-paced PBS program Caillou or drew pictures for nine minutes.
SpongeBob, researchers said, is not the problem per se, but it is an example of a type of fast-paced programming that has a short-term impact on children’s attention:
University of Virginia psychology professor Angeline Lillard, the lead author, said Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob” shouldn’t be singled out. She found similar problems in kids who watched other fast-paced cartoon programming.
She said parents should realize that young children are compromised in their ability to learn and use self-control immediately after watching such shows. “I wouldn’t advise watching such shows on the way to school or any time they’re expected to pay attention and learn,” she said.
A Nickelodeon spokesperson told the AP that the study was unfair because SpongeBob is made for older kids, 6-11 years old.
(image via: http://spongebob-squarepants.otavo.tv)
Categories: Education, Parents News Now | Tags: attention, Caillou, impulse control, SpongeBob SquarePants, television
by Kelly
On September 12, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Sorry, but this is dumb. I don’t think they did the study well enough. PLUS, my 2 kids have both grown up on Spongebob and they are A+ students, in 5th and 2nd grade, divorced kids that have adjusted really well after 4 years of being divorced, and have no behavior issues. My 2nd grader is also gifted. So please do better studies before knocking on the stupid cartoon. The cartoon segments are only like 12 minutes long anyway with so many commercials. Ever think about how evil those are?
by tiffany
On September 12, 2011 at 1:43 pm
I think this study has some merit, but also believe that a larger study should be conducted.
by Sarah Whiting
On September 12, 2011 at 1:45 pm
No complaints here….I hate stupid spongebob and add Yo Gabba Gabba on the list too…I mean what is the point in those shows?
by Stacy
On September 12, 2011 at 1:45 pm
I agree with Kelly on this. I have an 8 and 11 year old and they grew up watching all those shows and are both straight A students and are both in Gifted. Now my 2yr.old watches Spongebob (which is his favorite) and he is very smart and well behaved. Stop blaming t.v. for everything!
by tiffany
On September 12, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Spongebob is already banned in our household for the simple fact that I don’t find it suitable. When you have a 6 year old immitating the main character by walking around saying, “I’m a failure, I’m unworthy” it’s time to say goodbye. Now that is just my personal experience with the show, all children are different. And as the article states, it’s fast paced shows, not just spongebob.
by Krystal
On September 12, 2011 at 1:51 pm
This is just ridiculous. What next? Are they going to say that studies have found that kids who run at a fast pace for 9 minutes are not able to catch their breath as fast as children who did not run? I have 2 kids that have both watched Spongebob and other so called fast paced cartoons and they have never had a problem. And another thing, they aren’t watching a FULL 9 minutes of the cartoon because of all the commercials they put on TV brainwashing kids into begging their parents to buy ridiculous toys. I say they should thoroughly research everything with more that 60 kids and various programs before they publish such nonsense. What do they expect…for parents to put their kids in plastic bubbles with no color or anything fun and educational until adulthood??
by Danelle
On September 12, 2011 at 1:55 pm
I grew up on crazy cartoons where they hit each other over the head, etc and I grew up just fine!!! I also have 4 children ages 15 down to 4 and they watch sponge bob and so don’t I sometimes…. My oldest ones are A and B students and pay attention well!! My 4 year old’s teacher has told me many times she can not believe how well behaved he is and how great he does paying attention!!! My kids don’t watch 24/7 tv, so maybe that is why cuz there are some that do, but for that short of a time and say it does harm to children, that is just crazy!!! What harms kids is children that don’t have parents that pay attention to them, they just let them watch tv all day eating junk foods… thats what harms them, not the tv shows themselves!!! If you are a good parent I hightly doubt that sponge bob can ‘ruin’ your children…..
by Christina
On September 12, 2011 at 1:57 pm
I don’t allow my child to watch Spongebob anyway. It is crude and the innuendos are inappropriate for children.
by Holly
On September 12, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Not that I agree but I have noticed hostility in a lot of these cartoons now a days. Not just sponge bob but Cartoon network as well. I guess parents just need to limit what their kids watch. These cartoons are made for older kids anyway.
by Rachelle
On September 12, 2011 at 2:08 pm
This is a load of barnacles.
by Marina
On September 12, 2011 at 2:12 pm
I have a 4 year old and I don’t allow him or his younger brother to watch shows like Sponge Bob, etc.for this exact reason. Slower paced programing, that is less about being crude, noisy or older than he needs is a better choice for us. I also don’t allow the so called “super heros” yet because all he picks up on is the violence and loudness. And- as in the article, he does great with PBS programing such as Caillou, Sid the Science Kid, Word World and Bob the Builder are some of his faves. It doesn’t help me out if he starts jumping around kicking and shouting and it doesn’t help him either. One more thing- its fine for Nickleodeon to say the show is for older children but then why is there so much merchandise w/ these characters made in toddler sizes and products??
by Jtruth316
On September 12, 2011 at 2:13 pm
This is a joke right?
by Smart Mom
On September 12, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Parents who let their kids watch Sponge Bob have short-term learning & attention problems. Blame genetics!
by Jennifer
On September 12, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Nick Jr and Disney Jr are shows more appropriate for 4 yr olds. Sponge Bob is definitely aimed at a older crowd.
by Kyle
On September 12, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Bikini bottom says it all…..
by Elizabeth
On September 12, 2011 at 4:17 pm
I don’t allow my 4 year old or the two girls I watch this craptacular show at all!! If it causes me to lose any amount of brain cells, then I could only imagine what it does to younger brains.
by Sarah
On September 12, 2011 at 6:21 pm
What about a study that shows that kids who watch the insipid Caillou grow up to be whiny bratty little wussies?
by Jessica
On September 12, 2011 at 8:12 pm
How about we just turn off the TV’s and let the kids play and use their imagination. Sit down and draw. Color. Look through a book…. the list can go on and on.
by Jim
On September 12, 2011 at 8:44 pm
Short term attention people. Read the article closer, it means they didn’t do well on the tests soon after watching it, not three weeks later. Although I have no idea why someone would let their children watch a show with that much visual stimulation before homework anyway, might as well let them eat a pixie stick beforehand.
by ghazala hasan
On September 13, 2011 at 6:47 am
i don’t agree,i have a 7 yrs old son and he is outstandingly good in math and other subjects and he is always infront of TV ,watching these cartoons in his free time or during vacations.he even eat watching his shows sometimes.
by nicole
On September 13, 2011 at 10:20 am
Spongebob is a program that shuld be for teenagers and up…in my own oppinion its lame. Fortunately my daughter is only 9mo so i dont have to worry about this yet for her on the other hand her brother is 6 and definately has a problem..His mom lets him watch tv whenever and play video games instead of teaching him to tie his shoes, read, etc. So cant blame just the lame show blame it on the parenting!!!!!!!!!!
by Kimberly
On September 13, 2011 at 2:43 pm
How about encouraging children to go outside and play, use their imagination, get a little fresh air, swing, slide, run around, play a little hockey, basketball, baseball, dig in the sand, kickball, jump on the trampoline (with a net, of course), go for a walk, bike ride, stomp in the mud puddles, explore the woods, creek, field. I have a dish in my bathroom full of items that make up our “collection”. Things my son finds on our outings that we save. Get off the couch. Get your children off the couch. Get some exercise, work up an appetite and then cook together, preferably not processed chicken nuggets. Enjoy your children, explore through them. Teach your children to love the outdoors, embrace nature, combat heart disease, be healthy!
by Dee Smith
On September 13, 2011 at 3:13 pm
hahaha…HAHAHA wait…what are we talking about?
by parenting
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