Did you know that more than 90% of kids in the United States aged 2 or above watch television every day? 50% of kids younger than 8 watch TV for at least 1 hour daily. According to the latest data, 92 percent of 1-year-olds in the US are exposed to mobile devices or television. Reason—television is one of the easiest distractions for kids. Their favourite cartoon shows can keep them occupied for hours.
When you have to go for a quick shower, take an important meeting, or prepare meals, switching on the TV or iPad is your go-to solution to ensure that your kids are busy while you are away. In fact, you will notice how many infants and toddlers refuse to eat their meals without watching TV or YouTube videos.
But is this exposure to television a healthy choice for younger kids? In this article, we will tell you about the right age for infants and toddlers to start watching television and tips to help you manage their exposure to any kind of media.
Why watching television is bad for kids
From educational videos on YouTube to video books on the iPad or poems on television, we may think that screen-based media helps enhance early brain development in infants and supports their early learning process. However, this is not true. When a child is younger than 2, it is nearly impossible for them to understand or take any useful lessons from the screen.
No matter how many informative and fun videos they watch, it is not going to help boost their brain or benefit them in any way. In fact, exposure to screens can have a negative impact on their overall development. Watching too much television can hamper their daily routine, disrupt their sleeping pattern, and weaken their eyesight. According to paediatricians, too much screen time can have a negative impact on a child’s language development and affect his/her reading skills. Kids who spend more time watching the screen can have short-term memory and limited focus.
Tips for managing screen time for kids
Set clear rules
The first step towards setting appropriate media limits for kids starts with establishing ground rules. This helps in keeping screen time under control, especially when they are growing up. Set a particular time limit for watching TV and make sure that your child is strictly following it. If they are allowed to watch TV for one hour between 8-9 am, make sure that the time is not exceeded.
Choose the right shows
Ensuring that your kid is watching selective content is a no-brainer. However, it is always a good idea to filter educational and informative shows by reading reviews on the Internet. Make sure that these shows are helping your child learn something every day and do not have any inappropriate content.
Sit with your child when they are watching TV
In the beginning, kids often tend to like watching shows that they find visually interesting and engaging. They might find educational programs boring and tedious. However, if you sit with them while they watch these programs and show them how these shows can help them learn and grow. Try making the show interesting by asking your child fun questions related to it.
Monkey see monkey do
Last but not the least, be a role model for your child. Most often, kids learn from their parents and family members. They observe the actions of their elders and then do the same thing. This is why it is important for parents to ensure that their kids do not see them watching TV for hours as it can make them recognize the potential for enjoyment that television shows bring.
Final Takeaway
It is during their early years that kids develop several important life skills such as social skills, communication skills, creative skills, and sharing skills. You may feel that watching TV for some time during the day won’t hamper their overall development process. However, it is important to understand that watching TV not only impacts their cognitive development but also limits their physical activity. If media use is not restricted from an early age, it can lead to reduced productivity, and isolation, and cause problems like obesity.
Always ensure that your child is following a proper routine, indulging in outdoor games, interacting with their family members and understanding the real environment around them. Kids who are glued to television screens and video games all day can later find it difficult to adjust to the actual world.
