With reality TV a staple in many households these days, there's new research on the impact it has on young girls. It serves as a cautionary tale for parents, suggesting you may want to turn off the reality TV in your house. But it's not all bad news.

Tween and teen girls who regularly view reality TV accept and expect a higher level of drama, aggression and bullying in their own lives, and measure their worth primarily by their physical appearance. That's according to a national survey recently released by the Girl Scout Research Institute.

The study finds the vast majority of girls (86 percent) think reality shows "often pit girls against each other to make the shows more exciting."

Approximately 78 percent of reality TV viewers think gossiping is a normal part of a relationship between girls. When it comes to romantic relationships, 74 percent of girls who watch reality shows say they have to compete for a guy's attention. Nearly half think they are happier when they are dating someone.

"Girls today are bombarded with media - reality TV and otherwise - that more frequently portrays girls and women in competition with one another rather than in support or collaboration," said Andrea Bastiani Archibald, Ph.D. Development Psychologist for Girl Scouts of the USA. "This perpetuates a 'mean-girl' stereotype and normalizes that behavior among girls.

Archibald doesn't discourage reality TV, but says parents need to be involved. "We don't want girls to avoid reality TV, but want them, along with their parents, to know what they are getting into when they watch it," she said.

The study finds girls who view reality TV regularly are also more focused on their physical appearance. An estimated 72 percent say they spend a lot of time on their appearance, while more than a third think a girl's value is based on how she looks.

The news isn't all bad. The research finds girls who often watch reality shows are more self-assured, with a majority considering themselves mature, a good influence, smart, funny, and outgoing. They are more to aspire to leadership positions and to think they are seen as a leader. They're also more likely to see themselves as role models for other girls.

Some 68 percent of girls think reality TV makes them think they can achieve anything in life, and nearly half surveyed say the shows helped them realize there are other people out there like them.

"We also want to emphasize the many positive benefits to reality TV, including its role as a learning and motivational tool," said Kimberlee Salmond, Senior Researcher, Girl Scout Research Institute. "For example, we know that many girls receive inspiration and comfort from reality TV and that 62 percent of girls say that these types of shows have raised their awareness of social issues and causes."

The Girl Scout Research Institute offers several tips for parents and girls to consider.

Tips for parents:

1. TV watching is the number-one activity for girls, but they don't necessarily want it to be this way. Use this opportunity to create alternatives for your entire family.
2. Reality TV is here to stay, but not all shows are created equal. Be mindful of the type of reality TV your daughter is consuming, consider watching with her, and use the shows as learning tools and conversation starters.
3. Talk about the differences between reality TV and actual reality.
4. Encourage your daughter to look beyond the mirror.
5. Model healthy relationships.
6. Keep girls grounded.

Read more about the tips for parents here.

Tips for girls:

1. Question what's "real."
2. Talk with trusted adults and/or close friends about the things you see on reality TV shows. Don't be afraid to watch these shows in good company.
3. Understand and take advantage of the benefits of reality TV.
4. Steer clear of the drama on-screen and off.
5. Bring it back down to earth.
6. Disconnect from TV, but connect to other activities.

Click here to read more about the tips for girls.

Do you let your children watch reality tv shows? What impact do you think it has on them? Does it impact boys and girls differently? Leave your thoughts below.