That seems to be the general takeway point from this NZ Herald story reporting the latest Canadian research on the impact of TV on children.

They don’t of course quite phrase it that way, but reading between the lines and scientific jargon the research undertaken at Montreal University seems to back up a similar New Zealand study on the issue.

The conclusion – there are:

links between watching too much TV in childhood and later problems, including obesity, high cholesterol, poor fitness, smoking, short attention span, poor concentration – and lower rates of school and university qualifications.

Does this mean exposure to screen based media is bad in general? It would appear not – the article goes on to suggest that “under-2s should not watch any television and that older children should view no more than two hours a day”.

Does it give forward thinking educators reason to be concerned if teachers are increasingly making use of computers and other modern screen-based technology in the classroom?

Working – as I do – at a pro-technology organisation I would argue no – moderate use of any new technology is surely the best way to introduce students to the benefits of new developments in education and also in the working world.

I can remember the first time I used a green screen Amstrad ‘computer’ at University (many years after my first exposure to BBC Bs, ZX Spectrums and Commodore 64s) and was told that this was how modern newspapers were created.

The move away from lead blocks may have enraged the printing unions but learning how things are done ‘at work’ equipped me with a valuable skill that made me employable.

Embracing opportunities to experience technology and learn how it works should surely be viewed as a positive step in education – where sensible safeguards have been implemented on both health (run round the playground 10 times afterwards) and safety (don’t reveal personal information online) grounds.

As an example, watch this video below showing how a 2 and a half year old uses the iPad to consume media – just remember that as with your passion for Moro Golds, moderation is the key to a healthy and happy life.*

*Have no fear, I will not shortly be issuing a new personal development book available at most good booksellers.