TV-viewing time linked to bullying

The more television 4-year-old children watch the more likely they are to become bullies later on in school, researchers have found.

At the same time, children whose parents read to them, take them on outings and just generally pay attention to them are less likely to become bullies, said the report from the University of Washington.

Previous research had indicated that emotional support from parents helps young children develop empathy, self-regulation and social skills, making them less likely to be bullies, said the report, published in the April issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

Researchers have also found that early gaps in learning and understanding may make children less competent in dealing with their peers and that violence on television leads to aggressive behavior.

The Washington study reached its conclusions by looking at data from a study of 1,266 4-year-olds whose bullying -- based on assessments from their mothers -- was tracked at ages 6 through 11. About 13% of the children turned out to be bullies.