We've all seen the research warning that too much screen time can negatively impact our kids's health.

But now there's news that just having the TV on can impact impressionable young minds.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is warning against "background television", especially in homes with kids under the age of 2. The AAP says it can harm children's cognitive functioning and social play.

Researchers in North Carolina did a national phone survey to track background TV exposure. The data showed that the average child, ages 8 months to 8 years, is exposed to nearly 4 hours of background television a day. Younger children and African-American children are exposed to more background television, an average of 5.5 hours per day.

While more study is needed, experts say it might do your family good to turn off the TV when no one is watching.

I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news the doctors are reading, health news that matters to you.