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Television, Cognitive Ability, and High School Completion

Author

Listed:
  • Øystein Hernæs
  • Simen Markussen
  • Knut Røed

Abstract

We exploit supply-driven heterogeneity in the expansion of cable television across Norwegian municipalities to identify developmental effects of commercial television exposure during childhood. We find that higher exposure to commercial television reduces cognitive ability and high school graduation rates for boys. The effects appear to be driven by consumption of light television entertainment crowding out more cognitively stimulating activities. Point estimates suggest that the effects are most negative for boys from more educated families. We find no effect on high school completion for girls, pointing to the growth of noneducational media as a factor in the widening educational gender gap.

Suggested Citation

  • Øystein Hernæs & Simen Markussen & Knut Røed, 2019. "Television, Cognitive Ability, and High School Completion," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 54(2), pages 371-400.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:54:y:2019:i:2:p:371-400
    Note: DOI: 10.3368/jhr.54.2.0316.7819R1
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    Cited by:

    1. Lindo, Jason M. & Swensen, Isaac D. & Waddell, Glen R., 2022. "Effects of violent media content: Evidence from the rise of the UFC," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    2. Principe, Francesco & Carrieri, Vincenzo, 2020. "Health's kitchen: TV, edutainment and nutrition," Ruhr Economic Papers 883, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    3. Elena Claudia Meroni & Daniela Piazzalunga & Chiara Pronzato, 2022. "Allocation of time and child socio-emotional skills," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 1155-1192, December.
    4. Picco, Sharon & Pronzato, Chiara, 2025. "Long-term impact evaluation of early childhood conditions When only short-term outcomes are available," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    5. Zha, Fangjing & Zhou, Di, 2025. "The long-term effect of television on children's human capital development in China," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    6. Zhang, Lin & Xu, Wenli, 2025. "Television exposure in early childhood and subsequent cognitive outcomes: Evidence from rural China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    7. Caria, Andrea & Checchi, Daniele & Paolini, Dimitri, 2025. "TV Digital Transition in Italy and the Impact on Pupils' Academic Performance," IZA Discussion Papers 17623, IZA Network @ LISER.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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