The Collaboration for Early
Childhood Care and Education
Be Involved
Limit T.V.
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education
320 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60302
Phone: 708-613-6122 Fax:  708-434-1259  info@collab4kids.org
Disclaimer
Children today are being raised in a media enriched environment.  In order for a child to develop their potential for creativity, curiosity, physical vitality and social skills parents would be wise to limit the amount and type of viewing of television, videos, movies and computer games for their child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against children under two watching television at all.  It further recommends that children older than two have screen time limited to 30 to 60 minutes per day and that what is viewed be closely monitored by the parent.

Time children spend with media is time they are not spending on more valuable activities – active physical play and exercise, creative play, social interaction with family and friends, assisting with household chores, READING, using their imagination, art activity, working a puzzle, playing a game, etc.  All of these are important for a healthy mind, a strong body and positive social skills.  Television on the other hand is a passive and sedentary activity, which does not contribute to a child’s growth.  

The facts indicate that:

-T.V. and videos can have a negative impact on children’s development.
-Media has an enormous power in determining what children play with
and how they play with their peers.
-Media can prevent children from distinguishing reality from fantasy.
-Parents need to take an active role.