I came across a recent study which I found astounding.  It was done by the Kaiser Family Foundation and it found that kids between the ages of 8 and 18 are now spending a whopping 53 hours a week on electronic media (cell phones, video games, TV, computers, Facebook and Twitter).  That's nearly 8 hours a day!

Now I realize that many of us, as adults, spend a substantial amount of time with electronic media as well.  But many of us need these things for our jobs.  But kids?

In addition, the study seemed to show a correlation between electronic media use and grades.  While 47 percent of heavy media users said their grades are typically a "C" or lower, only 23 percent of those who are less "plugged in" reported similarly poor grades.  In addition, the kids who spend more time immersed in electronic media tend to be less happy than their counterparts.

Interesting, to say the least.  Some parents who are all too willing to buy their child a cell phone or allow them unlimited use of the computer may want to take these numbers into consideration.  I would venture to say it's much easier to say "no" to your child or closely regulate the use of these items from the beginning than to try to get them to cut back later.  Just some food for thought.