Background TV Can Be Bad for Kids’ Brain Development!

While the idea of using a television as a temporary babysitter has fallen into disrepute, most parents would admit to doing so from time to time! Almost everyone would agree that too much TV-watching is not good for kids, though research has shown that limited exposure to children’s programming can benefit a youngster of an appropriate age (but none for children under two!). But what about the effects of having it on in the background?

In a study published by Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, researchers found that merely having a television on in the same room with a child can have negative effects. Children are more likely to be distracted from their activities, such as playing, if a television is on nearby. The article also includes valuable information about the types of content that are most beneficial to children’s learning and parenting that can help control the influence of television.

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