In today’s fast-paced world, people are looking for ways to relax, and watching TV is often a popular choice. We all have a list of movies to watch on different streaming platforms, and there’s always an exciting story to follow with profound characters that bring joy – or tears – to our lives. Likewise, eating while watching TV has become a common habit for many people, especially during lunch or dinner.

However, it’s not impossible to wonder if this seemingly harmless habit may have adverse effects on health. As a matter of fact, US teens spend up to nine hours a day in front of a screen, and children ages 8 to 12 average four to six hours. With all that screen time, is it really a good practice to eat lunch in front of the TV?

The Effects of Watching TV on Children and Teenagers

While TV can be a source of entertainment and education, it also significantly impacts children and teenagers. With TV usage on the rise among adolescents nationwide, it’s crucial that parents have a handle on the potential impact and adverse effects of excessive TV time. Some of these include:

Influence on eating habits

TV-watching can significantly influence a child’s eating habits and teen health, which can be further exacerbated when they eat while watching TV. Children and teenagers are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of watching TV, especially regarding their eating habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that children who watch more TV tend to overeat as they watch TV, often eating beyond the point when they are full.

This “distracted eating” occurs when teens – and anyone, for that matter – are more focused on what’s happening on the screen than the food on their plates. They’re more likely to eat mindlessly and rapidly, not enjoy their meals, and miss any satiation cues that tell them when they’ve eaten enough.

Watching too much TV while eating also causes young people to be more sedentary and interact less frequently with friends and family. Furthermore, they are likely to view frequent ads for junk food and sugary drinks, increasing the likelihood of them choosing unhealthy snacks and meals over superfoods and other healthy options. In short, the unhealthy cocktail of overeating, moving less, and spending more time isolated in front of the TV can increase the risk of obesity and related teen health problems.

Shapes language and behavior choices

Television programs can shape a child’s language and behavior choices, either for better or for worse. The content of the shows they watch can influence how they talk and behave. If you leave your child in front of a screen, whether eating a meal or not, they are left to interpret the content for themselves.

In contrast, when you sit down with your child and watch a show together, you can take time to discuss important concepts and emotions, inequities, injustices, and other issues portrayed on the screen. However, it might not be easy to have deeper conversations when your child is busy eating a sandwich. As such, you may wish to reserve time outside of meals to sit down and watch a show together.

Exposes to drug and alcohol use

TV shows that depict drug and alcohol use can also have a significant impact on a child’s perception of substance abuse. Children who view shows that feature smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption are often not emotionally ready to process these issues and exercise good decision-making.

Given the issues above, it’s essential for parents to monitor the amount and content of the TV shows their children watch. Setting limits on screen time, watching TV programs together, and encouraging other activities such as playing sports, reading, or spending time outside with family and friends can also help minimize the harmful effects of TV watching.

The Effects of Watching TV on Adults

Adults may think they have more control over the effects that watching TV while eating will bring; however, just as with children, excessive TV-watching can negatively impact adults’ mental and physical health. This includes:

Higher risk of depression

Research shows that individuals who watch more television have a 17% greater risk of developing depression. The sedentary behavior of watching TV leads to decreased energy expenditure and can increase depressive symptoms.

Potential cognitive impairment

Excessive television watching has also been linked to potential cognitive impairment. Sedentary behaviors like watching TV not only don’t require much energy expenditure but also don’t challenge the brain. This can lead to more significant declines in cognitive function and lower volumes of gray matter in the brain.

Be Conscious of Your TV-Watching Habits

For adults and children alike, being conscious of TV-watching habits and their adverse health impacts is essential. When it comes to lunch and other meals, it’s best to avoid watching TV while eating, as it can lead to mindless eating and overconsumption of unhealthy foods.

While eating lunch while watching TV may seem like a convenient and enjoyable activity, it can negatively impact adult and teen health. Constant exposure to unhealthy food advertisements during TV programs can lead to unhealthy eating habits, and excessive TV-watching can lead to potential cognitive impairment and a higher risk of depression.

Instead, experts say, take a break from the TV and focus on eating food mindfully, enjoying the flavors and textures, and listening to the body’s hunger and fullness cues. Furthermore, limiting TV watching and prioritizing other activities can help improve mental and physical health.

Replacing TV time with other less stationary activities can promote better overall well-being. Taking a break from the TV during meals, setting limits on screen time, and prioritizing superfoods can help minimize the negative effects of TV watching while also preventing or reversing chronic conditions and illnesses. By being mindful while eating, you and your children can improve your overall well-being and build longer, healthier, happier lives that don’t revolve around the almighty screen.