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Experts say TV keeps kids awake

Some Psychology experts say a three-hour bedtime TV show for pre-schoolers does more to keep kids awake than ease them into sleep.

Harvard University psychologist Susan Linn, who runs the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, asked the American PBS Kids network to syop airing "The Good Night Show," which mixes cartoons and skits with a puppet about getting ready for bed.

The Good Night Show has aired from 6 to 9 p.m. since 2005, the programme is aimed at children aged 2 to 5. The show features Nina, an actress who portrays a parentlike figure, and a star-shaped puppet named Star, they appear in between cartoons and childrens entertainment.

The show was created with the help of pediatric psychologists and is designed for parents to watch with their children as the young ones are getting ready for bed.

Jodi Mindell, a psychologist and expert on sleep issues at St. Joseph's University, said that studies show TV viewing at bedtime is detrimental to children. TV is stimulating and engaging, precisely at a time you want children to disengage.

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