By:ZerotoThree
Although children may learn some concepts from watching educational programming, they learn best from interactive, hands-on experiences with people they care about
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no television (or screen media such as computer games, videos, or DVD) for children under 2. For children over age 2, the recommendation is 1 to 2 hours per day for television (or any screen media).
For parents and caregivers who choose to allow their young children to watch some TV, consider the following research and guidance on viewing.
Television Plays a Limited Role in Learning
Although children may learn some concepts from watching educational programming, they learn best from interactive, hands-on experiences-touching, feeling, shaking, stacking, problem solving-with people they care about. Research has found that some children’s shows (such as Arthur, Clifford, Dragon Tales, Dora the Explorer, and Blue’s Clues) have positive effects on children’s learning, but other shows (like Teletubbies or Barney & Friends) do not. In general, it’s best to choose age-appropriate programs in which:
- television characters occasionally speak directly to children and
- television characters ask children to participate in the show in some way (e.g.repeating a word).
Children’s shows with a strong storyline and storybook structure (beginning, middle, end) are also good.
