Kids and TV—and the negative relationship—is in the news again, and I’m not surprised. Evidence has long shown that a TV show here and there is no big deal, but turn the bugger on regularly and you’re asking for trouble.
What surprises me is that, as a society, we have not just ignored this mountain of evidence, but that we regularly walk our children to the top of the mountain and plunk them down in front of Sponge Bob for yet another hour. I know, I know, you love Sponge Bob, right? I know lots of parents who do. So watch it. Let your kids watch it from time to time. But every day? They’ve got better things to do, trust me.
The latest research shows that when the TV is on and kids are playing nearby, not engaged with it, not watching it, mind you, that the background noise influences the length and depth of their play. Parenting is hard work and we all know it. I’m not suggesting that kids should never chill out with a fun show while we grab a breath in the next room. Every parent needs a break from time to time. But the research is out there: TV isn’t the devil, but it’s not the answer to our prayers, either.
To read more about what I think, click here for info on my book, I Want to Teach My Child About Media.
