Television has been blamed for many of the problems children experience, including poor communication skills, but in the right circumstances it can be beneficial.
How much television should your child watch?
Like adults, children sometimes feel tired or stressed and need a chance to relax in front of the box. However, too much television can affect your child's ability to talk, listen and concentrate.
Watching TV involves one-way communication - your child is passive and can 'switch off' from what they are viewing. Two-way communication, on the other hand, where your child is interacting with somebody, requires them to listen and express themselves and helps to develop their communication and social skills.
Try to limit your child's TV time to no more than half an hour a day for under-twos and an hour a day for three-to five-year-olds. Always turn off the TV when no one is watching, because constant background noise can distract parents and children from listening and talking to one another, and of course playing together.
What are the best types of programmes for your child?
High-quality educational programmes that have been designed for your child's age group are best. The most suitable programmes for under-twos complement a young developing mind by containing low stimulus, such as those presented by a single adult speaker. Three-to five-year-olds will benefit most from programmes that ask for verbal responses, and offer a balance between familiar and new content.
Making sure that your child watches age-appropriate programmes can sometimes be difficult, as an older brother or sister may dominate the remote control. If possible, try to set aside a TV time for each child, and for yourself.
What can you do to make TV beneficial?
Your child will benefit most from age-appropriate TV or videos if they talk about what they have watched with an adult. So where possible, try to watch together. Select shows that you both enjoy, as shared interest will naturally lead to conversation. When the programme has finished, switch off the TV and talk about what happened in the story or sing songs from the show. If your child has toys related to a programme, encourage imaginative play with them while the set is switched off.
Should your child have a TV in his or her bedroom?
Giving your child a TV for their bedroom gives you less control over what they watch, increasing the likelihood of inappropriate viewing. Your child is more likely to watch alone, unable to talk about what they have seen or ask questions if confused. Watching too much TV, which is more likely if your child has their own set, reduces time for more beneficial activities like play, reading books and talking. There is also a risk that your child will become dependent on having the TV on before they can drift off to sleep. If your child does have a TV in their room - for example, if they share with a sibling - make sure it is closely monitored.
Are videos better than TV?
Videos can be better than television, as the repetition and familiarity of words and phrases makes it easier for children to learn from them. It might not be your idea of heaven to watch the same video again and again, but your child will benefit more from seeing the same video regularly, than from watching new material every time. Favourite videos can also provide a useful hook to develop play activities and talking points. Children will eventually move on to a new programme, but be prepared for it to take a little while.
