Television and computer use 'linked to lower GCSE grades'

Conclusion This study assessed the associations between activity level, screen time, non-screen time and GCSE results in British adolescents. The main finding was an extra hour of time spent watching television or on the computer was associated with lower grades at GCSE level. An extra hour of reading or homework was associated with better performance. Screen time was still associated with poorer scores after adjusting for measured physical activity levels and reading or homework. This study has taken a fair sample size from two regions in the UK. But about 15% of participants had incomplete data and weren't included in the analysis. We can't be sure whether their inclusion may have altered the results. The researchers suggest those with missing data may have had better mood scores and were less deprived, which may limit how much their results might apply to all adolescents. Some of the data, such as sleep and sedentary behaviour, was also self-reported. This means it's not possible to ensure the data was correct. The researchers also acknowledge they weren't able to take into account that some screen time may have been for homework, revision or other educational purposes. And as the study was carried out in 2005, the results may be less relevant to today's adolescents, who generally have wider access to screen-based technology. Overall, this study is unable to prove screen time causes poor academic performance – but it has shown a possible link. Parents and adolescent...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news