Shouldn't Babies Not Watch TV?
A mom posted a question on my Yahoo Group asking for recommendations for good DVD's for her 20 month old. Here is the answer from a member named Bruce.
For kids that young, good DVDs is a little oxymoronic. There's a host of well-documented studies that show electronic videos impair neurological development in children. The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends no TV for kids under 2.
Although the statement at the link above was directed specifically to TV, there academic studies that show negative effects for movies and computer monitors as well. Even Baby Einstein has had to offer refunds on its video series as ineffective for its intended purpose.
It's important to keep in mind that these academic studies deal with statistical populations. Anyone can find at least some anecdotal evidence that runs counter to the empirical findings of the studies. It's just as important to keep in mind that anecdotal evidence doesn't refute the studies.
Kids are that young only once. I'd spend the time that would have been spent on a DVD on re-reading a favorite book or introducing a new one or going through some word cards.
Although I do believe that reading to your baby is the single most important thing you can do, I disagree with the no television for little ones in controlled amounts. Here is my response.
I have to disagree with you Bruce. A good DVD is a God send on days when you need to get something done or you have a fussy baby. There have been times when my kids were under two that putting on a good DVD was my only salvation, unless of course I chose to have my baby scream while I set them down to make breakfast for my husband or take a shower. My children have all watched television, in small amounts, as infants. My oldest is 14 and they have suffered no ill effects from television. I am not advocating parents place their kids in front of the boob tube and leave them there. BUT, a 30 minute break every once in awhile is much needed for parents of infants and toddlers that have no domestic help.
The funny thing is, I hate television. We never watch it in my house. I have lived without cable much of my adult life. I do
however, like being able to put on a quality DVD for the little ones when I so choose to do so. I believe that although there are parents who will not ever show their under 2's the television, the majority of us do use it. In this case, such videos as Brainy Baby, Little Pim, Signing Time, Your Baby Can Read and so forth are excellent choices.
Disney was not forced to refund their customers. The Campaign For A Commercial Free Childhood has been after them for some time. On their own they extended their refund policy back to cover the last five years. They did this to prove that they stand behind their products. This is what every company should do. The co-founder of the CFCC is making it look like Disney was forced into this. That is not the case.
My fear is that parents who are unaware will know part of the story and steer clear of educational videos, because they heard they are bad. This does not mean that they will not use the television, it only means that now instead of putting on a quality program, they may opt for Cartoon Network. This would be a shame.
The funny thing is, I hate television. We never watch it in my house. I have lived without cable much of my adult life. I do
however, like being able to put on a quality DVD for the little ones when I so choose to do so. I believe that although there are parents who will not ever show their under 2's the television, the majority of us do use it. In this case, such videos as Brainy Baby, Little Pim, Signing Time, Your Baby Can Read and so forth are excellent choices.
Disney was not forced to refund their customers. The Campaign For A Commercial Free Childhood has been after them for some time. On their own they extended their refund policy back to cover the last five years. They did this to prove that they stand behind their products. This is what every company should do. The co-founder of the CFCC is making it look like Disney was forced into this. That is not the case.
My fear is that parents who are unaware will know part of the story and steer clear of educational videos, because they heard they are bad. This does not mean that they will not use the television, it only means that now instead of putting on a quality program, they may opt for Cartoon Network. This would be a shame.
Posted by Krista G. at 11/3/2009 6:58 PM 
Categories: Reflections
Tags: Babies and television babies and tv
Categories: Reflections
Tags: Babies and television babies and tv
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