Teens are Watching too Much TV: CDC

Despite countless rules from mom and dad, U.S. teenagers are still spending too many hours in front of TV and computer screens, according to a new government study.

"The findings are concerning, but not surprising," said Dr. Marjorie Hogan, a pediatrician who helped write the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines on kids' screen time, via Health Day.

Based on two national surveys of children aged 12 to 15 years, researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about three-quarters spent around two hours a day watching TV and using a computer.

"That's why it's so important for parents to begin discussions about media use at an early age," Hogan added, via the news organization.

Furthremore, researchers found that about 15 percent of teenagers report watching TV for four or more hours a day. Twelve percent also used computers for a similar amount of time per day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children and teens shouldn't spend more than two hours using an entertainment media screen per day.

"I like the concept of the 'healthy media diet,'" Hogan said. "It's all about moderation and choosing wisely."

For many who do not limit screen time, this can increase the risk of obesity due to sedentary activity.

"It's important to try to establish children's habits early in life," said Dr. Angela Diaz, director of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in New York City. "Try to create an environment where kids have choices other than TV and computers."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the NCHS Data Brief.