Computer games 'make for fat, stupid, lazy kids'

THE biggest-ever study of the harmful effects of TV and computer games on schoolchildren has revealed how long exposure to both produces individuals who are fatter, lazier and more stupid than those whose electronic leisure time is governed.

The research into the behaviour of 23,000 children aged ten to 15 was undertaken by the Criminalogical Institute of Hanover in Germany

"The results are truly alarming," said Christian Pfeifer, the director of the institute. "Over-consumption of either makes them fat, lazy, stupid, ill, sad, unhealthy. TVs and computers literally steal meaningful time for play, sport and fun from their lives. In addition, brutal films or video games displace things learned at school or from parents from their memories."

The research compared two cities - blue-collar Dortmund and wealthy Munich.

"The performance of children at school was noticeably worse, their grades went downhill if they spent too much time in front of either," added Dr. Pfeiffer.

"This was a survey taken in Germany but I think it would be the same results in England or other western European nations, and probably America, too."