How much media consumption is too much for your preschooler?
A recent study by the University of Washington exposed some startling statistics regarding media/TV consumption by toddlers and preschoolers. According to the study, 40% of 3 month-olds and 90% of 2 year-olds regularly watch TV. Whats even more surprising is that despite overwhelming evidence that suggest that children under 2 should not be exposed to TV and that over-exposure in young children can lead to problems of attention control, aggressive behavior and poor cognitive development; parents are exposing younger children to more and more media/TV programming because they believe it has a positive educational impact on their children. If you're like most parents you grapple with how to manage media consumption as your children grow up in an environment where young kids are bombarded by media marketing. So how much is too much?As a family, we limit our preschooler to a half hour a day, with one movie on the weekend. It's a battle to keep to this limit and an on-going debate in our house as to what is appropriate. What do you think?
Posted by:
Seann
Reply from:
Rose Garrett
Date: Jun 13, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Reply from:
Lindsay Oishi
Date: Jun 13, 2007 at 4:36 pm
I completely agree with Rose. Maybe it's just how you are raised, but in my family there was no TV until I was 11, and even then the only programs I was allowed to watch were Jeopardy (presumably it was educational?) and Star Trek (because I insisted). I think too many children get into the habit of plopping down in front of the TV and mentally going offline for hours and hours -- they can even become addicted. I think that TV should be limited to one or two programs that you and your children can really enjoy together.
Reply from:
Madelyn Taylor
Date: Jun 14, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Even through high school, my parents put a strict time limitation on my T.V. watching. I fought against them throughout my years living at home, but now realize it forced me to find other things to do with my time. Because I was only allowed to watch an hour per day, and never anything after dinner, I had more time for homework, friends, family and other activities. It amazes me how many young kids are allowed to spend the afternoon or evening in front of the T.V.
Reply from:
Laura Compian
Date: Jun 19, 2007 at 7:41 pm
In 1999, the American Academy of Pedicatrics recommended that parents do not expose their children to electronic screens until they are two-years-old and no more than one to two hours of "quality" TV and videos a day for children over two. The American Academy of Peditatrics also provided wonderful advice for helping your children to become smart consumers of media including, playing "spot the commercial" with your child and talking with them about the things that you are seeing together. Good luck!
Reply from:
Robert Balmaseda
Date: Jun 20, 2007 at 10:58 am
Reply from:
sdavil Date: Jun 21, 2007 at 12:34 pm
My kids are increasingly spending more time with learning "toys" like the leapster. These are feeling more and more like video games should I limit these as well?
Reply from:
Laura Compian
Date: Jun 22, 2007 at 2:26 pm
What a great question, Steven! The educational toy industry is booming! Some analysts expect that worldwide sales of "edutainment" toys will be $2.1 billion this year! But, what are the effects of short- and long-term exposure of these toys on little ones? Jane Healy has written on just this topic, and she suggests that parents proceed with caution because very little research has been conducted on the topic. Indeed, a quick review of the literature suggests that some educational toys may not promote learning any more than traditional learning methods (three- and four-year olds studied). However, other studies including children between preschool and age six indicate that some computer tools may teach young children how to focus their attention. In one study, Michael Posner, a psychologist at the University of Oregon, found that "certain computer tasks" improved IQ test scores and changes in electrical brain impulses, though temporary. Phew! How is a parent supposed to wade through the findings to come to a decision on this issue?! The experts suggest that parents consider exposing their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to edutainment in MODERATION. It seems there is some potential value in these tools, but young ones also need physical activity and social interaction with parents and peers. So, how about a round or two of organizing shapes and colors on your edutainment tool, shutting it off, and then moving on to a game of shape search in your own backyard?
Reply from:
Laura Compian
Date: Jun 28, 2007 at 4:11 pm
A great little piece on this topic aired on National Public Radio yesterday afternoon. A pediatrician dad discusses the challenges of practicing what he preaches in regard to avoiding screen time for children under the age of 2 years. Take a listen (speakers required) and let us know what you think!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11478164
Reply from:
Bob Brown
Date: Jun 8, 2007 at 2:48 am
Writing as one who didn't do a very good job of this when my kids were that age, I think, in hindsight, I should have only allowed them to watch TV when I was watching with them. Set a rule that "Mommy or Daddy has to watch with you" and stick to it. That way, there is a clear boundary and you won't get into arguments over whether Johnny was watching TV at this time or that. And this way you won't slip into the "TV as babysitter" pattern that is a very slipperly slope.
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