Saturday, November 28, 2009

Babies & TV

The AAP has the following very clear position on kids/babies and television (and all screen media, including computers):

“Children of all ages are constantly learning new things. The first 2 years of life are especially important in the growth and development of your child's brain. During this time, children need good, positive interaction with other children and adults. Too much television can negatively affect early brain development. This is especially true at younger ages, when learning to talk and play with others is so important.

Until more research is done about the effects of TV on very young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend television for children age 2 or younger. For older children, the Academy recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours per day of educational, nonviolent programs."

"As previously recommended by the AAP, babies or toddlers younger than 2 years should avoid all screen media." (AAP Advocates for Safer Media & Music)

There seems to be problems with the images on TV-- moving too fast, too intense. If you think about the amount of light put out by today's screens (any screen--computers included), it's scary to think what might happen to tiny brains & eyes! So, Ryan & I are trying to keep Eowyn's eyes averted whenever we happen to plop down in front of our computers or TV... Though I'm sure I'll let her see stuff now and then (like that PraiseBaby DVD I hear is so good at capturing their attention), overall we're trying to not expose her to the glare of the electric screen. Just thought I'd pass that on, what with the popularity of Baby Einstein and Sesame Beginnings and all!
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3 comments:

  1. jinesquire12:04 PM

    that's one of the reasons i quit my job at the playroom ... they would keep the TV on ALL the time and E would sit there like a couch potato for 2-3 hours watching it! horrible.

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  2. Amy Donell Molina10:35 PM

    I knew this previously because my amazing sister had already educated all of us on this with Caleb and phoeobe.... I think there's something to letting their eyes look at 1 dimensional things too that short some of their visual and neuro development. The fact that their vision is still developing, nearsight, farsight,distances, grasping at 3D objects etc... it makes sense that they shouldn't be staring at a 1D, over stemed screen for their little developing brains.
    I don't let Jillian watch the TV... and I knew the computer had simular effects. The picture of Jillie looking at the computer screen on my blog was a rare occasion... :).... the funny thing about it is... that she'll do anything to turn to LOOK AT the TV and Computer screen... she's a quick one! For some reason... even from a young age... they are attracted to things they shouldn't. :)
    thanks for the info though, Christina!!!!
    love,
    amy.

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  3. Eowyn's Heir11:49 PM

    Eowyn is the SAME WAY!! I'll catch her turned when I'm on the computer and she's in my lap... especially when we're having family movie night or NCIS night, meaning Ryan & I are watching, and she's in our laps facing away from the screen. I think maybe it's exactly all that light and movement and over-stimulation that glues them to the tube. That stuff about the 1-dimensional stuff being bad makes total sense, too.

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