The influence of television on a child's development
Television is often referred to as "a window to the world". This opinion cannot be denied. This invention gives us the possibility of almost unlimited access to information from the most distant parts of the world. Today - in addition to blocks, dolls and cars - it is the television that has become an inseparable element of the equipment of the majority children's rooms. However, this solution does not have a positive effect on the child's development, as many show survey.
Children's TV: yes or no? Can the infant watch TV? How can I ensure that my child does not spend too much time watching the TV? What does research say about children's TV viewing? What is actually the influence of television on a child's development? Many parents ask themselves similar questions, and more and more are aware that seating their child in front of the TV, especially for longer periods and without any control, does more harm than good.
Child in front of the TV
It is perfectly normal for children to associate children with a technical invention such as a television. It is difficult to imagine a situation in which the child has no contact with him. Watching TV is a very popular form of spending time today, both among children and adults. It is hardly surprising. After long hours of work or study, the easiest way is to relax in front of the TV screen - watching passively, without moving. In some homes, practically all life is played in the rhythm dictated by the television. However, not always and not every contact with the achievements of modern technology and technology is positive for our children. It all depends on in what form and with what frequency child is staying in front of the TV and how television is treated. The parents' approach is important in this respect. Watching television for many hours deprives children of the opportunity to enjoy what is really important - being with their loved ones, talking, sharing everyday things, what we have experienced during the day.
Expert advises
After a long time in front of the TV, children react to the moments of apparent peace and start running around the house, jumping and screaming. This is how their psychomotor agitation and stimulation are manifested, and concentration disorders are felt. There is irritability, nervousness and sensitivity to signals (sounds, images) emitted by TV.
According to research by the American Academy of Pediatrics, watching TV in abundance has a negative impact on various spheres of life and functioning of children:
- causes sleep disturbance,
- affects depressed mood,
- favors deterioration of contacts with peers.
Can the infant watch TV?
The answer to the question of whether an infant can watch TV is negative. Basically, the later our child starts doing it, the better for her. During the first 12 months of life child spending time is strongly not recommended in front of the TV. Even if the toddler is not staring at the screen, while busy with toys or other activities, the flickering, moving images and accompanying sounds are distracting, unnecessarily absorbing the baby's attention and providing him with an excess of stimuli. A TV set for the youngest children - not only infants, but also at the beginning of the toddler period - will not be a good idea.
Children's Watching TV: Research
According to the statistics of American scientists, children aged 2 to 5 watch television on average over twenty-five hours a week. Some of them stare at the television screen five or six hours a day. Children sitting in front of the TV do not think. They fall into a kind of trance that inhibits their natural development of skills needed to feel satisfied with life, i.e .: reading books, exercising, playing with peers, painting, DIY.
Research on children's television viewing shows that television is one of the causes of 50% of the increase in childhood obesity in the last decade. Television addicts eat more because watching them encourages them to nibble on a regular basis, and advertising prompts them to stuff themselves with unhealthy food. In addition, children have less exercise and their metabolism becomes weaker.
Negative the influence of television on a child's development
Incorrectly dosed television can contribute to many negative phenomena in a child's development. Watched too often it destroys interest in the real world and its dependencies. Looking at a glass screen can result in:
- lack of willingness to exercise,
- lack of emotional experiences,
- lack of real relationships with people, and
- loss of authority.
Children who prefer to spend time in front of the TV avoid playing outdoors and thus fall into a routine of unhealthy behavior. The frequently repeated pattern of this form of spending free time results in laziness of children and reluctance to take up outdoor activity. However, this is not all when it comes to the negative influence of television on a child's development.
Expert advises
Television, which is not selected by parents, may also contribute to indifference, desensitize a child to harm to others, may destroy basic values or negatively affect the development of children's imagination. In addition, television often provides our children with inappropriate role models, distorting the image of the hero-hero. It is mainly about programs that emit violence, promote non-existent ideals and those that provide children with many ready-made solutions, often incompatible with the real world.
When is the time for a TV detox?
Too long and frequent sitting in front of the TV in children may result in the already mentioned sleep problems, lower mood and deterioration of contacts with peers. In such situations, parents - worrying about the health of their children - go to a psychological and pedagogical clinic, where they ask specialists to make a diagnosis or to exclude it, suspecting ADHD, behavioral disorders or other developmental problems. Regular watching TV cartoons can lead to difficulties in controlling emotions in a child, to problems with concentration, with expressing himself. It also arouses suspicion and directs the mind of the concerned parents towards autism spectrum disorder. Before a parent decides to send a child for diagnosis for Asperger's syndrome, autism or ADHD - it is important to do a television detox. Fresh air, playing with blocks, reading books, and the child's interest in art works will help to regain composure, concentration and psychomotor calmness. If symptoms persist, consultation with an expert will be necessary.
Watching TV wise
The cure for "television disturbances" is wise use of the television set and wise television viewing. It is mainly about being together with the child in these situations. It is important that the child learns to watch specific programs that he or she will choose together with adults, and not to "watch TV" as they wish. Wise use of television means showing children favorable messages for them. The following are also helpful in controlling the time in front of the TV: viewing time limits and the times when it can be used. You must not give permission to watch fairy tales while eating, because it distracts them from the activity they are doing. The same applies to falling asleep - having the TV turned on before going to bed makes it difficult to fall asleep and sleep well.
What it should be TV for children?
Despite its disadvantages, television gives access to the amazing world of images, sounds, music and characters that can provide new knowledge and enrich the already possessed, they can entertain and educate. In smart programs for children (consulted with specialists), positive values are promoted, i.e. tolerance, cooperation with others, and honesty. Television can also take the viewer to distant corners of the world, the universe, to the future and the past, to everyday and exotic matters, to the world of science and art. Television, however, cannot serve as a calming effect, it cannot be a form of reacting to the needs of a child. Parents should set a good example and be role models for proper TV viewing. Well-chosen TV programs can be used to develop a sense of observation, creative activities, imagination and intellect. Skilfully selected and properly dosed, they will help in the transfer of positive values and in the comprehensive development of the child.
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