TV and Early Childhood

Why we Should Care & What We Can Do

What we Know:

• The average American child watches 20 to 30 hours of TV each week.

• 31% of American preschoolers have a TV in their bedroom.

• Children who watch more TV as toddlers are more likely to watch TV as older children.

What’s the Recommendation?

• The American Academy of Pediatrics Recommends: – Television viewing should be limited to 1 to 2 hours of quality programming daily.

– Children younger than 2 years old should not watch TV.

– Children should not have a TV in the bedroom.

Why Should We Care About TV?

• Early Brain Development • Physical Health

Too much TV watching during the early years has been linked to: • Poor performance in school • Being less able to use imagination • Problems with focusing • Poor skills in judging and planning • Increased violent behavior

Watching TV Can Lead to Poor Food Choices • Children see ads for junk foods such as chips and soda. • Studies find that children ask for foods they see on TV and then get parents to buy them.

• Families who watch TV during meals eat less fruits and vegetables.

• Children snack while they watch TV.

TV Can Replace Physical Activity • “Preschool children should have at least 60 minutes a day of structured physical activity…..and up to several hours a day of unstructured activity.” National Association for Sport and Physical Activity, 2002

Children who watch too much TV are more likely to be overweight.

• 64% of American adults are overweight or obese, and the numbers are climbing each day. • The rate of overweight children is rising even faster than the rate of overweight adults.

What can we do?

• Help families think about the use of TV in their homes.

• Alert families to why it is good to set limits on TV watching.

• Make families aware of how to include physical activity in their daily lives.

• Think about the best use of TV and other “screen” time in early childhood programs.

Strategies for Families:

• Adults can be good role models for children.

• Limit viewing time at home, school, child care.

• Keep TV out of children's bedrooms.

• Focus on small ways to add physical activity daily.

Tips for Early Childhood Educators: Messages • Provide messages that make families aware of the TV issue: – Posters in centers – Materials sent home – Classroom discussions

Tips for Early Childhood Educators: Family Education Sessions • Facilitated discussions to help families talk about ways to reduce TV watching and plan for being more active –

Talking with Families about Television

• Activity classes with parents and children –

Get Moving, Be Active

You can make a difference!

IF…..

young children: • Are more active • Choose healthy foods

Then…

they will be: • Healthier • Better learners • More ready for school and life