It is common among parents to complain about the viewing habits of TV addicted teens. Do they know something kids don’t? Well, according to a recent study, too much TV could increase the odds of becoming depressed as an adult.

Researchers monitored a sample of about 4,100 American teenagers for seven years. When first surveyed in 1995, they watched TV for an average of 2.3 hours each day. They also spent 37 minutes watching videos, 25 minutes playing computer games and 2.3 hours listening to the radio.

In 2002, when the same group was interviewed, 7.4% of them had developed symptoms of depression. The study found that the number of hours of TV watched per day increased the risk of becoming depressed while similar activities, such as playing computer games and watching videos, did not. Teens who became depressed watched an average of 22 more minutes of TV per day than their peers. That relationship suggests that TV may be a part the problem.

The results don't prove that TV viewing itself makes us feel sad or moody, but the evidence suggests a clear link. If you are a teenager, the next time your parents shout, “Turn that thing off!” don’t roll your eyes and ignore them; go jogging, listen to music, chat on-line, anything to keep physically, and emotionally healthy!

Written by Michael Dupre