Are Television Programmes and Computer Games Harming our Children?

Recent studies suggest a link between television watching and obesity in children, as well as alledging that video games are addictive. Is outdoor play a thing of the past for children?

Bradford, WY (PRWEB) April 16, 2006 -- It is probably no surprise to parents that a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity suggested a link between children’s TV watching habits and obesity. With rising crime levels against children, they are being kept at home with little opportunity to play out, whilst we rely upon television, electronic games and the Internet to entertain them.

However, studies have shown that long-term ‘gaming’ can cause behavioural and neurological changes in a child. It has been found that the brain releases dopamine, a naturally occurring chemical that is associated with a feeling of pleasure, in increased amounts whilst playing video games, but this can be addictive.

So with the school summer holidays not too far away what do we do for the best?

Researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, led by a Dr. Allen, have discovered that outside free play offers immense benefits to kids including a decreased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and heart disease, all in addition to developing an increased immunity to colds and flu.

With this in mind Mercury Architectural Gardens, a company originally conceived to sell log cabins, has recently introduced a wide range of adventure play systems and themed play houses to their range to allow parents to create a safe, but mentally and physically stimulating environment in their own gardens. Vanessa Grunwald, Director of Procurement, says “We intend to broaden our range of products over the coming months to get kids back outside and playing. Clearly not every parent can afford the Earth so we are trying to ensure that, what would normally only be aspirational play systems are made affordable and to do this we are skinning our costs to the bone.” Visit their website at www.mercurgardens.co.uk to view their range or contact them on 0800 695 7595 for further details.

Mercury Architectural Gardens
Shrike Close
Bradford
BD6 3YG
Telephone 0800 695 7595

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