Dr. Val Carson from the University of Alberta, who is an Affiliate Investigator with the HALO Research Group, had her research recently profiled in the news.
The story, “Early University of Alberta research shows kids’ activity can neutralize effects of screen time,” ran on the front page of the Edmonton Journal last Wednesday.
From the story:
Most studies into the impact of watching TV or using electronic toys and apps have determined time spent in front of screens doesn’t help brain development of pre-schoolers and might hurt it, physical education and recreation assistant professor Valerie Carson said Wednesday.
On the other hand, the vast majority of studies show physical activity helps youngsters develop in such areas as memory, the ability to regulate emotions, and language, Carson said.
“A lot of parents use the screens because they think it will help (kids) prepare better for school. The research isn’t matching up with the marketing that’s out there,” she said.
“It’s important to remember that our body is connected to our brain. When we’re active and we’re moving, that feeds our brain. Physical activity has so many benefits.”
Click here to read the story in full for free.
Other media outlets also ran a story on Dr. Carson’s research:
- Global – globalnews.ca/video/2376969/edmonton-health-matters-dec-2
- CBC TV – www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/reading-and-exercise-promote-brain-development-a-new-study-shows-1.3347943
- Metro Edmonton – www.metronews.ca/news/edmonton/2015/12/02/u-of-a-researchers-say-screen-time-not-good-for-children.html
- Edmonton Sun –www.edmontonsun.com/2015/12/02/university-of-alberta-researchers-say-the-more-kids-exercise-the-better-the-brain