A new, year-long study shows what preschoolers see on TV can have a negative or positive affect on their behavior and an Austin doctor says the results are not that surprising.  KLBJ's Perry Watson has the story.

Additional information regarding the study:

The results were modest and faded over time, but the study authors and other doctors say they may hold promise for finding ways to help young children avoid aggressive, violent behavior.

For the study, “Modifying Media Content for Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” researchers studied 820 families with children aged 3 to 5 years who spent some time viewing screens each week.  They periodically filled out TV-watching diaries and questionnaires measuring their child's behavior.

Half were coached for six months on getting their 3-to-5-year-old kids to watch shows like "Sesame Street" and "Dora the Explorer" rather than more violent programs like "Power Rangers."

Low-income boys appeared to get the most short-term benefit.