Children who spend hours in front of a television may be ruining their bones, or at least setting themselves up for osteoporosis later in life.
The Study from Oz:
A new study in Australia monitored the TV habits of more than 1000 kids. At several ages, parents were asked about how many hours a week the youngsters typically watched television. The amount of time was recorded at ages 5, 8 and 10. At ages 14, 17 and 20, the young people themselves reported on their television viewing habits.
Weaker Bones Associated with More Sitting:
Those who watched the most television had lower bone mineral density when they reached 20. Since the usual pattern is for bones to reach their peak density in the early 20s, this could presage weaker bones as these young people age.
Are Viewers Ruining Their Bones?
The problem is presumably not the television programming. Rather, sitting for hours, whether in front of a TV screen or computer monitor, may be putting people on track for ruining their bones. Whether newer innovations that reduce inactivity and get viewers up and moving (Pokemon Go?) can counteract this trend has not yet been determined.
