Mythbusters: TV Time

While the summer months are definitely filled with lots of outdoor adventures, this summer in particular has been quite rainy and unfortunately there has been a significant increase in child obesity. More and more children are spending a lot of time in front of the TV and other digital screens. (Computer, game device, phone, tablet etc.) We are here to dig into a few myths of TV time for the kiddos.

 

 

Myth 1:

 

If the TV is on in the background and my children are not paying attention, they will not be affected

 

Research has proven that having the TV on in the background is be impacting your child more than you think. In 2008 a study was done that proved that when kids had TV on in the background, they switched from toy to toy more often and spent less time being engaged in one activity for a longer period of time. Not only does TV affect child’s play, but it also affects how us parents are interacting with their children. I know, that it may just seem easy some days to plop your kid in front of the TV to get some tasks done but think about how much more enriching it could be for them to be fully engaged in an educational game or activity taking up that time rather than a bright TV with noise and flashing pictures.

 

 

Myth 2:

 

As long as the content is educational, it’s good for children

 

Another proven fact is that children don’t always learn what the program creators intended. A lot of times they actually learn the opposite. It all depends on how the information is presented and also how the child processes the message. Just because a character is using educational vocabulary does not mean that the child understands that vocabulary. Although it may be educational to you, there is no way to know how a child will interpret the message. A perfect example that I can think of is when I watch Disney movies now that I actually understand what is going on and now I see all the hidden messages that I never understood when watching the same movies as a child.

 

 

Myth 3:

 

All media for children under age two is damaging

 

Research shows that if and when parents present media to children under two, they should always lead that TV time to social interactions with their children. Failure to do so will create TV time as a replacement to social interaction which can be extremely damaging. The approach is key; for example: while watching TV have conversations to turn it into a learning experience.

 

 

Of course, not all media is bad and it is definitely important, in moderation, but it is also very important to realize that children need to move. Too much interferes with physical activity and growth.

 

Now, get outside! Enjoy the rest of the summer, play, learn, and make memories! Time flies!