Today there are many television programs geared toward young children that claim to help children learn. However, research shows that watching too much television as a toddler can delay development and cause long-term problems, including a decrease in classroom engagement and success in math (University of Montreal, 2010). Children will learn more from interacting with their parents, caregivers, siblings and peers than from watching a television program.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours of adult-supervised television time daily for children over 2 years of age, and strongly discourages television viewing for children younger than 2 (www.healthychildren.org).
And, television isn't the only screen any more! Screen time includes computers, tablets, video games and smart phones.
While watching television or playing on the computer, children are missing opportunities to:
✳ ask questions
✳ solve problems
✳ be creative
✳ practice eye hand coordination
✳ practice motor skills
✳ practice communication skills
✳ play interactive games with adults and siblings
If you like to have the television on for “background noise”, try turning on music instead. Borrow CDs from the library or have a music exchange with friends to add variety.
It may take a bit of work to break the television habit, but the long-term benefits for your toddler and the entire family make it worthwhile!
University of Montreal (2010, May8). Toddlers and TV: Early Exposure has Negative and Long-Term Impact. Science Daily. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010
~Written by Joan Llewellyn-Burns, M.Ed., Developmental Therapist
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours of adult-supervised television time daily for children over 2 years of age, and strongly discourages television viewing for children younger than 2 (www.healthychildren.org).
And, television isn't the only screen any more! Screen time includes computers, tablets, video games and smart phones.
While watching television or playing on the computer, children are missing opportunities to:
✳ ask questions
✳ solve problems
✳ be creative
✳ practice eye hand coordination
✳ practice motor skills
✳ practice communication skills
✳ play interactive games with adults and siblings
If you like to have the television on for “background noise”, try turning on music instead. Borrow CDs from the library or have a music exchange with friends to add variety.
It may take a bit of work to break the television habit, but the long-term benefits for your toddler and the entire family make it worthwhile!
University of Montreal (2010, May8). Toddlers and TV: Early Exposure has Negative and Long-Term Impact. Science Daily. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010
~Written by Joan Llewellyn-Burns, M.Ed., Developmental Therapist
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