Early Viewing Habits for the Younger Generation

A study carried out in the US found that 40% of children are regularly watching television or videos by 3 months of age. This increased to 90% for children aged 2.

The researchers interviewed over 1000 parents during February 2006. The time spent in front of the television, was more than 40mins per day for up to 2 year olds. Children 2 years old were shown to be viewing more than 1 ½ hours of television in a day.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 2 watch no TV at all, but the study found that the average age at which children begin watching is 9 months.”

Parent interviewed in the study believe the programs their children watched were, educational and was teaching their children. One fifth said they needed their own time and this was the reason for their children being placed in front of the television. Only a small fraction interviewed spoke about “family time” and “quality time”, in relation to watching television.

Related Articles:
Child Care: Regular Television Time Starts for Many at 3 Months
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/08/health/08chil.html?ex=1179460800&en=36a0d4056e54f7d1&ei=5070

Television and DVD/Video Viewing in Children Younger Than 2 Years
http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/161/5/473

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