According to the researchers, television may serve as an indirect means of advertising smoking. The researchers advised setting limits on television time, preferably to less than 2 hours a day.

How was the study conducted?

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth was used to look at television viewing habits in 1990 and smoking initiation between 1990 and 1992 among 10- to 15-year olds.

What were the results of the study?

Seven percent more children reported smoking in 1992, up from roughly five percent in 1990. Children who reported watching five hours or more of television per day were nearly six times as likely to take up smoking as their peers who watched the least amount of television. Those who watched four or more hours of daily TV were about five times as likely to take up smoking.

What does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend?

The AAP recommends that children watch no more than two hours of quality -- i.e. educational and nonviolent - television per day.

Pediatrics 2002;110:505-508

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Comment: The negative associations of TV watching continue to mount. Most of you already know how important it is to understand that your family would best be served by minimizing your exposure to this influence. One of the healthiest things for your family to do is to unplug the TV. I will not dispute that there are some decent items on television to watch. But, for the most part they are few and far between, and it's very difficult to watch programs without being bombarded by ads. I don't believe the benefits of staying plugged in outweigh the risks. Related Articles: TV Often Adversely Affects Children "Get The TV OUT of Your Child's Room" so says the American Academy of Pediatrics TV Ads Will Change Your Child's Views Turn Off The TV and Your Kids Become Less Materialistic The Dangers of Television -- A Review Television Associated With Children's Aggression <