Unlike previous generations who were “initiated” to the Internet, television and social media, the current generation was “born” there. This statement suggests that children today are much closer to technology and media than adults and are therefore more likely to be affected by it. Perhaps the greatest impact on the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of children and adolescents is that of media, due to its ready availability through smartphones, tablet PCs, and other portable devices. This article attempts to assess some of the influences of media on various aspects of child and adolescent development. Impact on physical development: Excessive use of media hinders physical development and growth. The main reason for this effect is that media such as the Internet, video games and television promote a sedentary lifestyle, leading to a lack of physical exercise. We spend more hours sitting in front of television and computer screens than those devoted to physical work. This promotes obesity not only due to lack of activity, but also due to the promotion of unhealthy eating habits through junk food advertisements that specifically target children. For example, McDonald's advertising campaigns promote their products by attracting children with toys and mannequins depicting their favorite cartoon characters. A number of studies have highlighted the many negative health effects associated with increased media use. In a review evaluating 173 studies on the impact of media on the health of children and adolescents, it was found that media exposure is strongly linked to increases in obesity and smoking. A moderate association was found between media exposure and alcohol and drug use (Nunez-Smith et al., 2008, p. 1). Another cause for concern is the acceleration...... middle of paper ......://www.cleancutmedia.com/tv-shows/tv-medias-influence-on-child-developmentNunez-Smith , M., Wolf, E., Huang, H., Emanuel, E. and Gross, C. (2008). Media and child and adolescent health: a systematic review. Common Sense Media from San Francisco, CA. Retrieved from http://www.aeforum.org/aeforum.nsf/d5335c270a1f94d380256ef3004240f2/b768d6128ed9446180257569005d08d5/$FILE/Common%20Sense%20Media%20Report%201.pdfStrasburger, VC and Donner Stein, E. (1999). Children, adolescents and media: issues and solutions. Pediatrics, 103(1), 129-139. Retrieved from http://www.lionlamb.org/research_articles/strasburger%20'99.pdf Villani, S. (2001). Impact of media on children and adolescents: a 10-year review of research. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(4), 392-401. Retrieved from http://www.lionlamb.org/research_articles/01C392.pdf