Resources on Early Learning

Tip Sheets

Today, you can find television shows and videos for any age level—even babies! But how much "screen time"—time spent in front of TV or computer screens—should little ones have? How does screen time affect young children? And what can parents do about it?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents discourage all "screen time" for children under age 2. The AAP also suggests that preschool-age children view only good-quality programs and not more than 1-2 hours a day.

TV and videos can have negative effects on a young child.

• Cognitive development. TV and videos can pull a child away from two important ways of learning: exploring his world and looking at books. He becomes a passive viewer instead of an active learner.
• Social development. The more time a child spends in front of the TV screen, the less time she spends playing with others. She's missing out on the benefits of peer group experience.
• Nutrition and fitness. Children who watch TV and videos for hours may not get enough exercise. Seeing junk food commercials may also contribute to children's poor eating habits. Recent research suggests that reducing screen time can lower a child's risk of obesity.
• Behavior and attitude. Parents may not approve of many things videos and TV can teach children. Some children pick up rude or vulgar talk from TV. Violent programs may be linked to bad dreams, aggression, and fears about being hurt. TV shows and videos may have sexual content that is inappropriate for children. Programs and advertising can push children to put too much value on material goods.

Parents can do several things.

• Keep the TV turned off. Children can have fun and learn in other ways. Parents may want to ask about a caregiver's policy on TV and videos.
• Allow mostly educational screen time. High-quality informative videos and programs can be as engaging as cartoons.
• Preview programs and videos. No rating system is perfect. Previewing lets you know exactly what your child will see.
• Watch with your child. Ask questions and make comments that help build media literacy. "That monster looks scary, but it's just a person pretending." "What does that commercial do to make us want to buy that doll?"
• Avoid making TV a centerpiece of home life. Keep the TV out of the playroom and bedroom, and turn it off during meals.
• Make a screen time schedule with your child, and stick to it.

Together you can plan ways to learn, play, and relax away from the TV.

For more information on television, videos, and young children, see:

• Children and Advertising
  http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_childadv.shtml
• IEL Interactive Chat: TV, Computers, and Video Games—How Much Is Too Much?
  http://illinoisearlylearning.org/chat/weisheit/index.htm
• Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity
  http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/
  full/pediatrics;112/2/424#SEC7
• PBS Parents
  http://www.pbs.org/parents/
• PBS Parents en Espanol
  http://www.pbs.org/parents/siteguide/spanish/
• PBS Kids
  http://pbskids.org/
• Policy Statement: Children, Adolescents, and Television
  http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/
  full/pediatrics%3b107/2/423
• Television: Special Issues for Young Children
  http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/
  television/issues_children_tv.cfm
• Childhood Exposure to Media Violence
  http://www.apa.org/releases/media_violence.html
• Overweight in Children and Adolescents
  http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/
  calltoaction/fact_adolescents.htm
• Television: How to Encourage Good Viewing Habits
  http://www.education.pitt.edu/ocd/publications/parentingguides/
  TelevisionHabits.pdf
• TV and Movie Violence: Why Watching It Is Harmful to Children
  http://www.education.pitt.edu/ocd/publications/parentingguides/
  TvAndMovieViolence.pdf

The opinions, resources, and referrals provided in this Tip Sheet are intended for information purposes only and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise parents to seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding their child’s health or medical conditions.

Spanish: La televisión, los videos y los niños pequeños

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