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Marvels Are Not Always Marvelous
By Administrator | October 29, 2006
The Roman aqueducts were a technological marvel. Eleven aqueducts poured water through hundreds of miles of tunnels and raised archways. The Romans created this distribution system which was second to none. But there was a cost. In an effort to get the water to travel through low areas, lead pipes were used to create sophisticated siphoning channels. Once water made its way to the city, those wealthy enough to pay could have personal pipes, often made of lead, bring the water directly to their homes. Experts have surmised that lead poisoning affected the youth of Rome, limiting their mental capacity for life.
Today, the United States has developed technological marvels every bit as awesome as the Roman aqueducts. Computers, video games and all manner of media bring a flood of information and entertainment into our homes. Yes, there are advantages to occasional exposure to media. But they too have come with a price. Media and television have taken their toll on today’s youth.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) had this to say about television for children prior to age two:
“While certain television programs may be promoted to this age group, research on early brain development shows that babies and toddlers have a critical need for direct interactions with parents and other significant caregivers for healthy brain growth and development of appropriate social, emotional and cognitive skills.”1
The AAP also gives this warning:
“Research has shown primary negative health effects on violence and aggressive behavior (6 cited studies); sexuality (4 cited studies); academic performance (1 cited study); body concept and self-image (3 cited studies); nutrition, dieting, and obesity (3 cited studies); and substance use and abuse patterns. (1 cited study)”2
Miroslav Kovacevic, MD FAAP, a Board certified Pediatrician and professor at Loyola University points out:
“Researchers at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, Washington (article was published in a recent issue of The Journal of Pediatrics) reported a direct link between TV watching and attention deficit disorder in children. Study showed that three hours of TV watching a day made children 30% more likely to develop this disorder. In fact, calculation brought forward in this article is even more alarming: each hour in front of the TV increases a child’s chances of attention deficit disorder by 10%!”3
I wonder if this technological wonder is not much different than the Roman aqueducts; a marvel to many but a menace to our children.
May God’s grace and peace be with you,
Mark and Ellen Strohm
1. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;104/2/341
2. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;107/2/423
3. http://www.webpediatrics.com/newsletter.html
Topics: From Ellen, From Mark | 1 Comment »
October 31st, 2006 at 12:04 am
Excellent post! I really appreciate you bringing this quality information to our attention! -bill