TV found to be a painkiller for children

August 17, 2006 TV found to be a painkiller for children (AP)

Researchers in Italy have confirmed the distracting power of television when they found that children watching cartoons suffered less pain from a hypodermic needle than kids not watching TV. Especially disturbing to the author of the study was that the cartoons were even more comforting than Mom. Shown are Lisa Donohue and her son Calum, 2, watching cartoons at their home in Massapequa Park, N.Y. in this May 11, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

(AP) -- Sometimes the numbing effect of TV can be helpful. Especially if you're a kid being stuck with a needle at the hospital. Researchers confirmed the distracting power of television - something parents have long known - when they found that children watching cartoons suffered less pain from a hypodermic needle than kids not watching TV.



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