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Too much of a good thing

Many people still remember a time when it was the number of hours children spent in front of “the boob tube” that was worrisome. Technology has made that an old-fashioned concern.

Now the kids have television, computer games, social media and the Internet in general to distract them.

A new study by Common Sense Media makes it clear moms and dads need to be more vigilant than ever.

According to the study, which relied on a survey of 2,658 youngsters, teenagers spend an average of nearly nine hours a day “absorbing media.”

But it’s not just TV. Male teenagers average 56 minutes a day of electronic gaming. Teen girls spend only seven minutes on that, but make up for it with more time on social media.

Other research has indicated that “media time” reduces the appeal of physical activity. We’re raising more couch potatoes, in other words.

Like so many things, there’s nothing wrong with technology – in moderation. The new study is a reminder of how important it is for parents to monitor their children’s media use and, at least occasionally, show them where the “off” button is located.

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