Toddlers and television
Medically reviewed by Dr Saroja Balan, Paediatrician and Neonatologist
Written by Priya Solomon Bellani
Photo credit: istock.com / Vesnaandjic
Love it or hate it, TV and video is a huge part of family life. With on-demand, downloads and streaming as well as hundreds of TV channels, our viewing choices are virtually limitless.
However, most of us want TV to benefit, rather than hinder our child’s development. Here are some tips on how you can use TV to engage and enrich your child’s imagination.
Common advice for children under two years of age is to allow no screen time at all. This is partly because babies and toddlers need lots of physical activity. However, it’s also because children this young find it difficult to understand and make sense of what they are watching.
If you do let your toddler watch television, break it up into 15 to 20 minute slots at a time. More than that and his little brain may go on autopilot.
Keep in mind that screen time includes TV, digital games, online viewing and computers, as well as interactive mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Limit your toddler's total viewing time to a total of one hour a day. This is because toddlers need to be active for three hours a day to grow healthily. Physical play contributes better to your child’s mental and emotional development than watching television.
Keep in mind that children are most affected by the example parents and family members set. We’ve all fallen guilty to turning TV for a much-needed break, but try not to channel surf.
TV is also often a backdrop to family life, blaring away in the drawing room while the young children play or the family eats dinner. Instead, turn off the TV when no one is watching it, and keep the TV out of sight as much as possible.
Family members, your maid or any other caregivers may also be watching TV through the day, which means your toddler may end up watching some shows along with them.
Suggest they watch late-night editions of shows or record the show and watch it when your child is asleep or at playschool.
This can seem hard at first and everyone will need to make adjustments, but in the long run it’s the best decision for your child.
Some research suggests that children who watch violence on TV are more likely to display aggressive behaviour.
Stay away from scary programmes that may frighten your little one. Instead, choose simple shows that emphasise interactivity. Programmes that inspire your child to make sounds, say words, sing, or dance are great.
Make sure all family members, your maid or any other people caring for your child know your TV viewing rules. It's important for everyone to be on the same page.
A recent study found that children who only had moderate access to TV and watched with a parent scored significantly higher academically than other children. Just being there says to your child, "What you do is important to me".
Of course, we all have moments when we have to use television or video as a babysitter. However, when you leave your child alone with a screen for a long time, you send a signal that you don't care what he watches.
If you can, consider completing a chore such as cutting vegetables or folding or ironing clothes in the room when the TV is on, so you can work and watch. Then it becomes an activity the two of you can enjoy together.
Many experts agree that TV, computers and games should not be switched on during mealtimes. Having a meal together as a family is the perfect opportunity to have a chat about your day, and it helps to build good eating habits too.
If you tend to have the TV on in the background while you are feeding your baby or child, you may both miss the cues that he has had enough. It’s important that you’re responsive to your baby when you are feeding him.
Explain to your toddler what's going on in the programme and during the adverts (and point out the difference between the two). Encourage him to ask questions and relate what is happening in the programme to his own experiences.
Record programmes in advance or pick out some of particular interest. That way you can watch when you choose, and pause the programme to discuss what's going on.
If you and your child have just finished watching a show that focuses on a particular number, letter or topic, find a way to talk about it later. For example, when you're setting the table you might say, "Hey, today's number was three, and there are three places to set!" Or read and discuss a book that includes number concepts.
Try to make TV time happen at around the same time every day so your child knows what to expect and doesn't think of TV as an ever-present possibility. This can cut down on battles over the on/off button.
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However, most of us want TV to benefit, rather than hinder our child’s development. Here are some tips on how you can use TV to engage and enrich your child’s imagination.
Should I limit the amount of TV my child watches?
With so many shows targeted to very young children, it might not seem like a big deal to let your toddler watch an episode or two of a favourite cartoon. But your child is growing up in a media-saturated world, and now is the time to start teaching his healthy habits for managing screen use.Advertisement | page continues below
If you do let your toddler watch television, break it up into 15 to 20 minute slots at a time. More than that and his little brain may go on autopilot.
Keep in mind that screen time includes TV, digital games, online viewing and computers, as well as interactive mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Limit your toddler's total viewing time to a total of one hour a day. This is because toddlers need to be active for three hours a day to grow healthily. Physical play contributes better to your child’s mental and emotional development than watching television.
Your child also needs the chance to spend time with you and other children, so he can learn how to talk to and relate to people. All these opportunities are limited while watching television.
How should I let my toddler watch TV?
Rather than sitting down to watch whatever is on, carefully select the programme your child is going to watch. Watch the show with him and switch the TV off as soon as soon as 15 to 20 minutes are done. A five-minute warning that a show is about to end will help him get ready for the next activity.Keep in mind that children are most affected by the example parents and family members set. We’ve all fallen guilty to turning TV for a much-needed break, but try not to channel surf.
TV is also often a backdrop to family life, blaring away in the drawing room while the young children play or the family eats dinner. Instead, turn off the TV when no one is watching it, and keep the TV out of sight as much as possible.
Advertisement | page continues below
Suggest they watch late-night editions of shows or record the show and watch it when your child is asleep or at playschool.
This can seem hard at first and everyone will need to make adjustments, but in the long run it’s the best decision for your child.
What kind of shows should I choose for my toddler?
Choose calm, quite programmes. Slower-paced viewing gives your child time to think about what he's watching and absorb the information. Lots of random action, like the kind in action or adventure cartoons, will only confuse him.Some research suggests that children who watch violence on TV are more likely to display aggressive behaviour.
Stay away from scary programmes that may frighten your little one. Instead, choose simple shows that emphasise interactivity. Programmes that inspire your child to make sounds, say words, sing, or dance are great.
Advertisement | page continues below
Should I watch TV with my child?
Watch together when you can. It's not always practical or possible, but your presence can add to your child's active viewing experience.A recent study found that children who only had moderate access to TV and watched with a parent scored significantly higher academically than other children. Just being there says to your child, "What you do is important to me".
Of course, we all have moments when we have to use television or video as a babysitter. However, when you leave your child alone with a screen for a long time, you send a signal that you don't care what he watches.
If you can, consider completing a chore such as cutting vegetables or folding or ironing clothes in the room when the TV is on, so you can work and watch. Then it becomes an activity the two of you can enjoy together.
Many experts agree that TV, computers and games should not be switched on during mealtimes. Having a meal together as a family is the perfect opportunity to have a chat about your day, and it helps to build good eating habits too.
Advertisement | page continues below
How can I help my child get the most from TV?
Make sure your child watches age-appropriate TV shows, not just TV. Always plan ahead to watch specific shows. Keep track of when the show ends, and turn the TV off afterward.Explain to your toddler what's going on in the programme and during the adverts (and point out the difference between the two). Encourage him to ask questions and relate what is happening in the programme to his own experiences.
Record programmes in advance or pick out some of particular interest. That way you can watch when you choose, and pause the programme to discuss what's going on.
If you and your child have just finished watching a show that focuses on a particular number, letter or topic, find a way to talk about it later. For example, when you're setting the table you might say, "Hey, today's number was three, and there are three places to set!" Or read and discuss a book that includes number concepts.
Try to make TV time happen at around the same time every day so your child knows what to expect and doesn't think of TV as an ever-present possibility. This can cut down on battles over the on/off button.
Advertisement | page continues below
Fun with your toddler
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Priya Solomon Bellani is BabyCenter India's Deputy Editor.
