Confusing messages shoved at kids by television, radio, DVD, computer games and the Web can make childhood downright hard, says a professor of behavioral sciences.

Parents can help decrease the harmful effects of television watching by screening the type of programming and limiting the amount of time a child watches television.

New studies show that a sedentary child will likely become a sedentary adult, and a sedentary life leads to a host of health problems, from obesity to heart disease.

Rising "screen time" can cost kids the exercise they need to keep fit.

As the scientific community continues to study how babies and young children grow and develop, the issue of television watching becomes even more complex.

A lot of parents have long since acknowledged that cell phones are a staple of teen life, but what about for 8- to 12-year-olds?

Video games can take up too much of your kids' time. They may keep your kids from schoolwork and isolate them from family and friends. They can fuel obesity by limiting physical activity.

Crooks from computer experts to purse snatchers can steal personal information and run up bills in victims' names. Clearing up the mess can be costly and stressful.

You can now add bullying to the list of things made easier by technology. Bullies use e-mail, instant messaging, and text messaging on cell phones to reach victims.