Infants and Toddlers: No Television and Computer Use!

There is no disputing the fact that children under the age of two should not be sitting in front of a screen.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement about media and children in 1999 in which they stated:

"Pediatricians should urge parents to avoid television viewing for children under the age of 2 years. Although certain television programs may be promoted to this age group, research on early brain development shows that babies and toddlers have a critical need for direct interactions with parents and other significant caregivers (eg, child care providers) for healthy brain growth and the development of appropriate social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Therefore, exposing such young children to television programs should be discouraged."

- American Academy of Pediatrics

Everyone has heard how educational DVDs are supposed to enhance a child's vocabulary and language facilities. But that is only if you do not interact with your child properly. If a child has no other stimulus, perhaps a DVD is the only way that he or she will hear any vocabulary and have any type of stimulation, but this certainly does not apply to our readers and parents.

Learn more about infant and toddler health and education using the Montessori method.