What’s the problem?

• TV takes time away from human contact, social play and interaction.
• Studies show that children who watch a lot of TV have difficulty with reading and
• have poorer social skills when they start school.
• Watching a lot of TV at a young age has been linked to attention difficulties later in
• childhood.
• TV moves very quickly (there is a change on the screen about every 6 seconds). Real
• life has a slower pace which helps children to develop their concentration skills.
• Having TV on in the background can disrupt very young children’s play.
• Less time for real life learning (e.g. sharing books, play) and interactions between
• parents and children.
• Irregular sleep schedules
• An increased risk of childhood obesity.

 How can we help?

• One hour of quality screen time per day
• Work it into your routine, e.g. after lunch or dinner
• Choose programs in which characters are talking directly to your child, repeating key
• words, and there are clear links between spoken words and what is happening on
• screen
• Turn the TV off whilst your child is playing.
• Do not allow a TV in the bedroom.
• Watch TV with your child and make comments about it.
• Read with your child. Have books in the home. Visit the library often.
• Practice what you preach!