TV VS. MOM

I’ve been quite busy. I’ve moved, I’m preparing a new class (complete with website), and I have an bleeding ear infection that, thanks to a whole lot of vicodin has kept me bed ridden for the last week.

But even still, I have to post this:

The study involved 69 children, ages 7 to 12, who were separated into three groups and then asked to rate their pain on a numerical scale when they were stuck with needle used to take a blood sample. The children’s mothers also rated the kids’ pain.

Those watching TV cartoons reported half the pain as those who were being soothed by Mom. When compared with children who just sat in a hospital room with mothers who didn’t try to soothe them, the TV watchers reported one-third the pain.

“The power of television is strong and it can be harmful for children if it is stronger than the force made by the mother to distract children,” Bellieni said. “I believe that this power must be controlled and reduced.” |Link via Engadget|

Too late, Bellieni. Way, way too late.