by Alexi Wilbourn
Tots younger than 2 should not be exposed to the television.
That’s the message in a new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The study found that speech development can be delayed when children younger than 2 watch or are placed in proximity of the TV, even when it is in the background.
The AAP was unable to identify any positive educational or developmental benefits when babies see or are within earshot of the TV.
The nudge to parents: Turn off the tube when little ones are in the room.
For every hour of TV exposure, the child younger than 2 spends 11 percent less time in creative play, according to the new study.
Unstructured, creative play is one of the most beneficial things for eveloping minds, especially when it involves parent-child interaction, according to the AAP.
Children older than 2 should be restricted to viewing no more than two hours of TV per day, according to the AAP.
“I would really advise both pediatricians and parents that there’s no real positive value to sitting in front of the TV,” says Dr. Jim Fortenberry, pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egelston. He agrees that TV exposure has no constructive effect for children 2 and younger – even if a program is considered educational.
“Those toddlers don’t understand contextually what the show is about,”
Fortenberry says. The “glowing box” serves as more of a distraction to infants and prevents them from connecting with other people in the room. TV is no substitute for the developmental needs that come from positive interaction with parents and siblings, Fortenberry adds.
Brookhaven mom Jennifer Hutcheson has kept her eye on the AAP guidelines for TV exposure to children. However, when daughter Lucy turned 15 months, Hutcheson decided to let her watch 15- to 30-minute segments a couple of times a week.
What changed this mom’s mind?
Like other parents, Hutcheson needs time to tend to daily tasks, such as preparing dinner. She tries to engage Lucy in activities such as “cooking” in her play kitchen, but sometimes a diversion is needed.
Now 19 months, Lucy is only allowed to watch Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George because they are commercial-free, have timely cuts between scenes, and teach positive values such as sharing and friendship.
The colorful images and lovable animals in these shows keep Lucy entertained.
Hutcheson says she never expects TV to provide a substitute for real learning.
Like candy and sugar, most things are OK in moderation, says Ormewood Park mom Gracie Gummere. TV is no exception, regardless of the updated AAP guidelines.
For every hour of TV exposure, the child younger than 2 spends 11 percent
less time in creative play.
“I think it’s ridiculous when people go to the extreme” whenever experts or
an organization release new guidelines, Gummere says.
Her oldest son, Ryland, 3, watches about an hour of TV every day, which falls within the recommended amount for his age group.
When he was younger, Ryland especially liked the show Yo Gabba Gabba! These days, he loves talking to his parents about his current favorite shows, which include Little Einsteins, The Backyardigans, WordWorld and Super Why. Ryland’s little brother Miles, 16 months, hardly glances at the TV, Gummere says. He’s mostly busy with toys and other activities.
Fortenberry’s advice: If you’re cooking, put the child in a safe setting, such as in a roller seat. Give them toys such as nesting cups that they can play with, and continue to interact with them, if possible. This plan allows the child to see you and vice versa, and your child remains engaged, both physically and mentally.
P.S.
До того, как Мише исполнился годик, я старалась оберегать его от телевизора, если он появлялся в комнате, где был включен телек, мы его сразу выключали.
После года стали показывать русские мультики (моего детства, и только добрые, без агрессии и страшилок), по 20-30(самое большое) минут.
После 2-х лет, конечно, всё иначе.
Жизнь не идеальна, мы с мужем очень заняты оба, добрые гномики по ночам не приходят и за нас домашнюю работу не делают, хотя мечтала бы об этом, так что иногда да, засаживаю Михал Потапыча перед "ящиком". Но стараюсь сама выбирать мультики, по возможности добрые, без "страшных" и уродливих (с квадратными, треугольными головами, и т.д.) персонажей, без драк и насилия.
После сада, пока готовим-разогреваем еду, смотрит образовательный канал для дошкольников "Sprouts", любит мультик про мальчика Каю, там описаны жизненные ситуации, как правильно поступать если...
Диснеевские сказки смотрим вместе по выходным, сама люблю.
Иногда русские, короче вперемешку :)
Стараюсь не дольше часа-полтора в день :)
