Television and video games are bad for kids. Many parents, whether they permit child screen time or not, accept this as gospel.
Author Steven Johnson offers a different perspective.
“Parents can sometimes be appalled at the hypnotic effect that television has on toddlers…,” writes Johnson in Everything Bad is Good For You: How Today’s Popular Culture is Actually Making Us Smarter. “The same feeling arrives a few years later, when they see their grade-schoolers navigating through a video game world, oblivious to the reality that surrounds them.”
Johnson goes on to explain that the child’s silent, zombie-like gaze at the television screen is not a sign of mental atrophy; it’s a sign of focus.
As Johnson notes, a toddler’s brain is constantly looking for new stimuli. In a house with few changes from day to day, the television is the most surprising thing the child will encounter.
The television—the new stimuli—requires close scrutiny, hence the child’s laser focus on the screen.
Could your child’s “zombie” appearance be a sign that they are focused, engaged, and perhaps getting a few more wrinkles on their brain?
Naturally this argument has its detractors.
There is some research that indicates that while exposing infants and toddlers to television does not harm them, it also does not improve their language and visual motor skills at age three.
Other opponents point to rampant violence, disturbing images, and sexual content, as cause to avoid television and video games.
The debate is probably as old as the television itself.
To my readers: What is your philosophy on kids and television? Do you know any TV or video game zombies? Do you adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation (No TV for kids under 2; and 2 hours per day for older kids)?
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My kids both love to play games and watch tv, but I believe everything needs to be done in moderation. Too much of anything isn’t good.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids recently posted..I’m a LifeLock Ambassador!
I am definitely an everything-in-moderation mom. Thanks Tiff.
I certainly think that real-life things should take priority, but I do think TV, computer, and even video games can build some important skills and interests.
Jai recently posted..Funny Face Dried Cranberries Swag Bag Giveaway – 10/02 – 3 Winners
Thanks Jai. Author Steven Johnson would agree with you on the importance of real life experiences. He notes that if you were to plunk a real life puppet show in the living room that would pique a child’s interest more than watching it on the screen.
I let my child to watch tv, probably more than I should. He actually rather play for the most part and uses TV more as a background noise. KIds Do need A LOT more than watch TV but I don’t think TV is as evil as people think.
Michelle recently posted..Schools going too far with packed lunches?
I definitely don’t consider television to be the Big Bad Wolf for kids. Everything in moderation.
Thank you Michelle. I enjoyed your recent post on school lunches.
Great post – interesting you comment how it shows the kids have good focus. It was a while before my daughter could actually focus on the TV long enough to watch a show. At 7 years old her focus is too good, I have to set limits on her movie time.
Emily@CrunchyHousehold recently posted..Top 5 Reasons Why I Dig My Reuseable Shopping Bags
Thanks Emily. My daughter showed little interest in TV until we discovered Dora the Explorer. Now I have to be really vigilant about how much screen time she is racking up.
I waited longer than my friends to allow my daughter to watch TV. I think she was about 18 months when she was allowed to watch one episode of Sesame Street per day. Then between 2 and 3 we got far too lax and she watched too much TV and I feel so horribly guilty about how much TV she was watching. It wasn’t on all day long but at least one full length movie a day. It’s embarrassing really. For the last year my daughter only gets to watch TV or a movie as a reward every once in awhile. Maybe twice a month. With my younger daughter I’m going to try and help her avoid TV for as long as possible. I hate the zombie effect it leaves on your kids.
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom recently posted..How to Get an Afternoon Energy Boost
Thanks Kelly. My daughter didn’t start liking TV until we discovered Dora a couple of months ago. I have to pay attention to prevent her from getting too many hours of screen time (which of course triggers the mommy guilt).
It sounds like you have worked out a good TV plan for your girls.
My mom has always had limits for us kids. I agree that TV can damage brain cells though.
RJ recently posted..Reclaiming Beauty Webinar
Thank you RJ.
The Reclaiming Beauty webinar in your post sounds interesting.
We have a limit for our kids! I don’t think it can be harmful in moderation but a lot of it, definitely yes.
Thanks Mel. I totally agree with moderation.
I am pretty picky about TV around here… but even the channels that i use as “safe” channels are getting eh lately. Charlotte is allowed to play kid games that are put out by nick jr, etc.
trisha recently posted..Terrible mother? Absolutely.
Thanks Trisha. You bring up a good point. Just because it’s on one of the kid channels, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Parents have to pay attention to what their kids watch on television and what’s really going on in that video game. Assume nothing.
There are a lot of arguments on both sides…I really think moderation is key.
Beeb Ashcroft recently posted..Headline T-Shirt Giveaway at The Eclectic Element
Agreed Beeb. Moderation seems the best way for my family, at least right now.
My children grew up watching Sesame Street and cartoons. My grandchildren are glued to TV and video games and I feel like it is too much for them. Even the littlest one wants to watch particular shows. I don’t know whether that is good or bad.
Karen recently posted..Happy Birthday Owen
Thanks Karen.
As a kid we probably had five television channels. We were on a heavy rotation of Casper the Friendly Ghost, Three Stooges, and Sesame Street. Now kids have so many options for entertainment it’s mind boggling.
Everything in moderation has almost everyone has said.
My soon to be 3 year old has picked up some many new words by watching Disney Junior and other educative programs.
I don’t think watching TV is as “evil” as people make it sound, guess it also depends on the programs being watched.
aloted recently posted..Stay Awake At Work | Super Working Mum
Both of my children seriously turn into Zombie’s when the TV is on. I think that the disturbing part as a parent is to see creativity and play completely stop when the TV is on. My kids watch TV, but I prefer for them to create things and play.
All the best- Monica
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