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For Kids, More Time on Digital Devices = Less Homework Completed

*The following is excerpted from an online article posted on PsychCentral.

New research finds that the more time children spend using digital devices, the less likely they are to finish their homework, complete other tasks, or display interest in learning new things. Moreover, the more digital media time, the more difficult it is for kids to remain calm when challenged.

Although the finding is not a surprise to most parents, the research provides detail on the direct relationship between time on digital media — be it watching TV, using computers, playing video games, using tablets and smartphones, or using other digital media devices for purposes other than school work — and homework completion.

Researchers determined children who spent two to four hours a day using digital devices outside of schoolwork had 23 percent lower odds of always or usually finishing their homework, compared to children who spent less than two hours consuming digital media.

The abstract was presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2016 National Conference & Exhibition in San Francisco.

Investigators used data from the 2011/2012 National Survey of Children’s Health to analyze the media use and homework habits of more than 64,000 children ages six to 17 years, as reported by their parent or guardian.

When examining children’s use of digital media, researchers found 31 percent were exposed to less than two hours of digital media per day.

Another 36 percent used digital media for two to four hours per day; 17 percent were exposed to four to six hours; and 17 percent were exposed to six or more hours of digital media per day.

For every additional two hours of combined digital media use per day, there was a statistically significant decrease in the odds of always or usually completing homework.

Children who spent four to six hours on digital media had 49 percent lower odds of always or usually finishing their homework than those with less than two hours per day. Those with six or more hours of media use had 63 percent lower odds of always or usually finishing their homework compared to children who spent less than two hours per day using media.

The authors found a similar relationship between digital media exposure and four other measures of childhood flourishing, including always or usually caring about doing well in school, completing tasks that are started, showing interest in learning new things, and staying calm when faced with challenges.

Source: PsychCentral
http://psychcentral.com/news/2016/10/24/for-kids-more-time-on-digital-devices-less-homework-completion/111554.htm