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The Impact of Television on Early Childhood Development

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The Impact of Television on Early Childhood Development

Several parents give permission to their children to watch television starting at a very early age. Then while several young children do frequently watch television, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that young children under the age of 2 years old should not watch television at all, and young children over the age of 2 years old should watch television for a maximum of one to two hours each day. Even watching educational television programs can have an effect on young children’s brain. Regulating television exposure might diminish some of its effects on brain development. Repetitive exposure to television or associated activity can distress young children mental and emotional development. Television sometimes takes the state of interactive capabilities that encourage strong brain development. However, much has been blamed on television viewing and other media use; such as obesity, low metabolism, poor family relationship, lower academic achievement, aggressive behavior, insensitivity to others, and weakened attention and concentration. It is not difficult to see that while children are viewing television or playing video games, they are not exercising, playing with friends, reading, helping with chores, or practicing other good things. Others have noted the positive effects media use can have on children development. Since television is definitely here to stay, parents need to look at it as a resource and not necessarily as a menace. A good way to start is to consult the listings of the public television stations which offer magnificent programs on nature, literature, history, current events, the arts, etc. Parents can communicate their personal feelings about undesirable programs both by discouraging their children from watching them and by writing to their local television station or to the program’s sponsors. The public does have a voice. Clearly, not all programs need please everybody. We do have a choice of programs; and we also have a choice, for ourselves and at least for our younger children, of watching or not watching. There is an “Off” button on every set!

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