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Study: Furniture tip-over injuries rising

A recent study found that an average of nearly 15,000 children younger than 18 years old visited emergency departments annually for furniture tip-over injuries from 1990-2007. The majority of injuries occurred among children younger than 7 years of age and resulted from televisions tipping over.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2009

Intervention reduces children's viewing of violent TV

A study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found a classroom-based intervention reduced violent TV viewing among first- through fourth-grade children by 18%. The intervention, called The REViEW Project Curriculum, also decreased students' identification with violent superheroes.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateApr 7, 2009

TV shows convey mixed messages about alcohol

A new study reveals that prime-time television series portray mixed messages about alcohol, with positive messages associated with fun and partying, while negative messages are linked to crime, addiction, or job performance loss. This can undermine efforts to dissuade youth consumption through negative depictions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateMar 25, 2009

Too much TV linked to future fast-food intake

Research followed over 2000 high- and middle-school children, finding that TV viewing times predict a poor diet in the future. Young adults who watched more than five hours of TV per day had lower intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but higher intakes of fast food and unhealthy snacks.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJan 29, 2009

TV: Not the only channel to early sex

A study of 273 adolescents found that those who had early sex were more likely to have lower academic achievement, depression, ADHD, and ODD. Parents' positive influence was also shown to reduce risky sexual behavior during adolescence.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 24, 2008

USC: gamers play against type

A USC survey of 7,000 EverQuest II players found that older players were more typical, with playing time increasing with age. Women logged more hours in the game and were less likely to quit, while also exercising regularly. The study suggests that online gaming may not compromise mental health, contrary to stereotypes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 24, 2008

Study assesses TV viewing and verbal interactions among low-income parents and infants

A study found that low-income parents infrequently engage in verbal interactions with their infants while watching TV or videos. The majority of these interactions occur during educational programs, suggesting a potential link between media exposure and child development. However, the study highlights the need for further research to d...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 5, 2008

Study finds TV portrayals of mental health professionals influence willingness to seek therapy

TV portrayals of mental health professionals often depict them as incompetent, untrustworthy, and even buffoons, leading to negative perceptions about seeking psychological services. The study suggests that this can contribute to lower intentions to seek therapy, exacerbating the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·DateMay 1, 2008

Television shows can affect racial judgments

A new study published in Human Communication Research found that exposure to racial bias in television programming can have a negative impact on viewers' perceptions. The study showed that unfavorable portrayals of Latinos led to decreased evaluations of their education and qualifications, promoting an us-versus-them mentality.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateFeb 20, 2008

Technique enhances digital television viewing for visually-impaired

A new technique developed by Dr. Eli Peli's team allows people with low vision to improve their ability to see and enjoy television with enhanced image contrast. The method, which can be easily incorporated into digital TVs and internet video, enables visually-impaired individuals to select the desired level of enhancement.

SourceSchepens Eye Research Institute·JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America·DateJan 15, 2008

Whites underestmate the costs of being black, study finds

A study by Ohio State University found that most white Americans believe living as a black person would cost less than $10,000, but would need $1 million to give up television. This suggests a lack of understanding about persistent racial disparities in the US, including lower income and wealth for blacks.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDu Bois Review Social Science Research on Race·DateJun 25, 2007

White teens with high exposure to R-rated movies have increased risk of smoking initiation

A study found that white adolescents with high exposure to R-rated movies and unsupervised television viewing are more likely to start smoking. However, this association was not seen in black adolescents, who were equally likely to initiate smoking regardless of media exposure. The reasons for these racial differences are unclear.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMar 5, 2007