Childhood TV Habits Linked to Adult Health

New research suggests that the amount of television a person watched during childhood is associated with health complications in middle age. Surprisingly, adult TV-watching habits did not show the same correlation—only childhood habits mattered.

Children today are exposed to even more screen time than previous generations, which may put their future health at greater risk. According to the study, individuals who spent more time watching TV during childhood were more likely to have high blood pressure, obesity, and lower oxygen efficiency during exercise by the time they reached their mid-40s.

Long-Term Health Starts Early

The study was based on data from nearly 900 individuals born in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1972 or 1973. Their TV habits were tracked at multiple ages—5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 32 years old—either by their parents or by self-report.

At age 45, participants were assessed for their health. Those who had watched more TV during childhood had worse metabolic health outcomes in adulthood, regardless of their gender, early BMI, or family income level.

Why Screen Time in Childhood Matters

While the research doesn’t prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, experts suggest several reasons why early screen habits may impact long-term health:

  • Less Physical Activity: Watching TV takes time away from movement, and even light physical activity burns more energy than sitting.

  • Sleep Disruption: Screen use is known to interfere with sleep, which is crucial for overall health. Poor sleep can reduce the benefits of physical activity.

  • Increased Caloric Intake: People tend to eat more while distracted by TV. Additionally, commercials often promote unhealthy, processed foods, influencing children’s long-term eating habits.

  • Epigenetic Changes: Childhood behaviors may alter gene expression, potentially leading to long-term physiological changes and health issues.

The Good News: It’s Not Too Late

Despite the risks, many of the health effects caused by early screen time and poor habits can be reversed. Even individuals with metabolic syndrome—a combination of high blood pressure, obesity, and other risk factors—can improve their condition through regular activity and healthier eating habits.

Simple actions like taking a walk after meals can help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, reducing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes.

A Warning Sign for Today’s Children

The original study was conducted in an era before smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Since then, screen time has skyrocketed. Today’s teenagers spend an average of seven hours a day on screens, not including time spent on schoolwork. Children under three years old now have more than double the screen time compared to children in the late 1990s.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, children's screen time increased by nearly two hours, and even after returning to normal routines, their daily screen use remained significantly higher.

Sedentary Behavior Has Long-Term Effects

Although there’s limited data on how current screen habits will affect children into adulthood, research already shows that sedentary lifestyles lead to long-term health problems. Experts believe the modern digital environment is making it harder for parents to encourage healthy behaviors in their children.

The Need for Action

Experts emphasize the importance of shifting from observation to intervention. Schools, caregivers, and policymakers must work together to reduce excessive screen time and encourage healthier habits early in life.

Healthy habits should start in childhood and continue throughout life. It’s never too late to adopt better behaviors—but it’s never too early either.