TV can turn your four-year old into a bully: According to a study led by University of Washington economist Frederick Zimmerman, television can increase bullying in four-year olds, who are particularly susceptible to the violent messages of cartoons. NewScientist reports:

The study showed that four-year-olds who watched the average amount of television - 3.5 hours per day - were 25% more likely to become bullies than those who watched none. And children who watched eight hours of television a day were 200% more likely to become bullies.

The report also suggested effective alternatives to offset bullying: cognitive stimulation and parental emotional support. Duh:

It found that children whose parents regularly exposed them to ideas - by reading aloud or taking them to museums, for example - were a third less likely to become bullies, as were those whose parents provided them with emotional support - by eating meals together and talking.

While we're at it: TV Turnoff Week is April 25-May 1.