Why is Television Bad for Children?

[Rainydaze]

I've discussed this with a few people who think that watching TV hinders children's development, particularly their speech. Is this true? If so, why? Does spoken audio have the same effect?

How much telly is too much telly???

DD (2.5) watches a fair bit, and I'll happily cut it down if I thought it was harmful.

Thank you. :)

Is there is difference between a child watching TV as opposed to it being on in the room while the child is doing something else.

For example, DD1 is 2.2 and DD2 is 2 mo. I am lazy and end up having the TV on during the day on normal daytime telly, "This Morning", etc. DD1 is not interested in watching it. We don;t watch CBeebies etc

Now, I accept that if the telly was off I would talk more to DD1 to fill the silence or be more likely to head out of the house, both of which would be beneficial (and I intend to do so when DD2 and I are more up to it).

However, has anyone looked at whether this background adult TV in itself (as opposed to causing my inertia) is detrimental?

Telly is not 'bad'. As a child I didn't have a telly until I was 10 and so as a result I was obsessed with it and would watch it at friends houses whenever I had the chance.

With DS1 who is 5 (and DS2 who is 11 months) I have no problem with them watching whatever telly they want and so it is no big deal to them and they turn it off when they are bored. Consequently they watch an hour a day max as it isn't a 'treat' and they regulate themselves.

My baby is only two months but loves the tv his changing mat is next to the tv on the floor and he cranes his head round to see the tv or if some1 Is holding him near it he will move his head to see it... Some times when I am busy I will pop his swing facing the tv I thought the colours and sound and pictures may help his development!! We also talk to for most of the day making constant noises singing to him constantly chatting with him wen he is awake and loads of other bonding techniques massage, toys, etc every day ! Is this bad for my child or am I right in thinking that in thinking that the pictures etc wil b good for him at this age??

pugsmum I'm sure you are a great mum. If you want to watch tv with your child, go right ahead. In my opinion based on what I have read, it does them no positive good at all, but if it gives you a break which you need, well, most of us do it and our children do OK.

My two kids do watch a limited bit of TV.

DS (4 years) is allowed to watch 15 minutes or so in the morning before preschool, once he is dressed & breakfasted. He also watches about 30 minutes after lunch, whilst I am busy clearing the kitchen and putting DD (2 years) down for her nap.

Then some evenings, DS & DD both might watch about 30 minutes after tea time, especially if I am busy clearing the kitchen and starting supper for DH & me.

Is that good or bad? It is a routine that works for us, allowing me to have a blitz on chores, but not for too long. Sometimes they help with chores instead, or be hooked on another toy ... lego or trainset, or whatever. So TV doesn't always happen.

Tends to be DVDs that I have chosen (Numberjacks is current DS favourite, or Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Tank Engine, or Peppa Pig) or sometimes CBeebies channel which I actually think has some very good programmes on it.

i think it's very restrained alaskahq

sorry pugsmum, i guess what i meant is, your child will get a lot more from watching you do what you need to do in his bouncy chair, than from watching the telly. but everyone needs a break, for sure.