Many families are concerned about how television viewing affects very young children. The first 2 years are important years in the life of a child, physically, mentally, and socially - a time when the brain develops rapidly. During this time the specific brain connections associated with many skills are developing. Recent brain research and other studies provide evidence that television viewing affects children in many ways.

Television is a passive activity. Infants and toddlers are not developmentally ready to benefit from even the best of television or video programs. American Academy of Pediatrics research indicates that the fast-paced action features of children's television programming may be a contributing cause of attention disorders in children. Overall, higher levels of television viewing correlate with lower academic performance in school, especially in reading. Obesity in children has also been linked to the amount of time spent watching television.

• Children need to move to develop muscles to support their bodies.
• Children need hands-on problem solving activities to support cognitive development.
• Children need interaction with other children and adults to build social skills.

Children who sit in front of a television set are being deprived of the opportunity to engage in social play and interaction. They need sensory-rich experiences that will enhance their emotional and intellectual growth. Children need self-directed, imaginative play to develop problem solving abilities and an understanding of their world. Television viewing takes time away from other activities - time that children could spend in active learning, exercising, playing, or developing creativity and curiosity.

Infants need an environment that is responsive to them. They need to bond emotionally with caregivers who smile, talk, sing and engage actively with them. Television can't provide that kind of interaction. Television in an infant care area is a distraction to both caregivers and infants and should not be part of infant care activities.

Toddlers learn best by doing and being active. This is the sensory-motor stage of learning. A well-rounded program of activities for infants and toddlers can be a rich experiential learning opportunity. Children need to use all of their 5 senses to make sense of their environment. Toddlers need many, many opportunities to explore their surroundings. They need to feel, see, hear, touch, and taste the world around them. Reading books, singing songs, or playing finger games allow toddlers to explore their world and encourages creative play and curiosity. Story telling can be expanded to include events in a toddler's life.

A well-thought out preschool program has little need for "television time". If you do decide to show a video or turn on the television remember:

• Select age appropriate videos or programs and limit viewing time.
• Children cannot distinguish between fact and fantasy. Plan on talking about what the children have seen.
• Violent programming is never appropriate for children. Research has shown that viewing violent programs may encourage aggressive behavior in children.
• Overly exciting or adult theme television is also not appropriate for children.
• Television should not be used as a reward or as a punishment.

For more information about this or other health related topics please contact the Child Care Health Program at (206) 296 2770. The Child Care Health Program is a program of Public Health - Seattle & King County.