Using electronic media has become a way of life. Even the youngest children are exposed and savvy. Little is known about the impact of electronic media on children’s development. More research is needed to determine how its use by preschool and younger aged children affects their brain development and later academic achievement, as well as their physical and social health. Does it cause or aggravate attention problems? Can it contribute to obesity, poor body image, violent or antisocial behavior?

Although the direct impact isn’t yet known, we do know about healthy child development. Studies show that young children need warm, loving interaction with adults for healthy brain development, time for free play that engages the senses, and opportunities to use their minds and bodies. Technology can’t replace these things that only real life can provide. The use of electronic media becomes a concern when it takes the place of times when a young child can be actively engaged in an activity with an adult, immersed in imaginative play, or outdoors experiencing nature and moving his body.

A Cautious Approach

Until further research is done it’s best to proceed with caution.Here are some guidelines to help you use media to support yourpreschooler’s healthy development:

• Limit children’s time with
electronic media. One to two hours per
day is the most media exposure a child should have.
• Use, watch or listen to media with your child. Talk about what’s happening; ask and answer questions. By using media together, parents can influence what their children are taking in.  
• Monitor what your child uses, watches and listens to. Review the
content of new software, games, TV shows, DVDs and songs.
• Strive for balance. Try to achieve
a balance in your own life between your
use of electronic media and other activities.
Remember you’re a role model for your child. Make time for activities and reading. 
Be a careful consumer. Media marketing often makes claims for advancing children’s development that aren’t
supported by research. Choose wisely.
Consider location. All electronic media used by children should be in a
central area of your home. Studies show that when media is located in a child’s bed-room, its negative influence on their development is greater.

 

In 1999 the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement urging parents to avoid TV for children under two years of age. In 2003 the Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a national study on this topic. The findings have been published in the report “Zero to Six: Electronic Media in the Lives of Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers.” For more information or to read the report, visit www.kff.org.

Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H., is a child development educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk.