Tag: electronic devices

How TV And Other Forms Of Electronic Media Affects Our Children

Steven Baker

children-403582_960_720Many of our children today are exposed to television shows even before they step their first years in school. Studies show that 20 percent of newborns to 11 months spend at least 2 hours watching TV, children from 1 to 5 are exposed to various types of media screens primarily the television, and children from 6 to teens spend at least 4 hours each day watching TV.

Consequences of too much TV time among children

  1. Obesity. Children who spend more than the recommended time watching television becomes over weight which is the number one growing problem among the children in the United States.
  2. Aggresive behavior. Children who are allowed to violent movies and shows tend to show an overwhelming aggressive behavior, they become paranoid and continue to fear that something bad may happen to them.
  3. Exposure to bad habits. Television shows may expose your child to bad habits such as smoking, drinking, and womanizing. They will know that it is wrong but may also find it cool and may have a possibility to associate themselves to these characters.

Is TV Good or Bad for our Kids? 

National Society of Paediatricians – TV time recommendation

  • Infants – toddlers. No exposure to TV
  • 2 years and older. 1 to 2 hours of television each day

This recommendation is based on studies that on the first 2 years of a child’s life, learning and brain development are at its peak and thus it is the most critical time to hone the child’s values and personality development.

Researchers believe that early exposure of children to TV, computers and other mobile gadgets hinders the learning and social development that the child gain through play and interaction.

As the child grows into their primary years, TV and other gaming devices could be a big factor that may cause the child to hardly cope up with school activities, physical activities, and other social activities that they need in order to mature into a better person.

However, experts say that TV in moderation could be good. Children in their preschool days can learn from many educational shows. Children can also learn from mobile devices thanks to educational tools that mobile app development companies have introduced to the most common used device – smartphones.