Screen time is a hot topic and one that brings up a range of thoughts and emotions from parents across the globe. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) children under 2 should have no screen time at all. Considering the fact that screens are such a pivotal part of modern family life, the idea of limiting or banning screen time might seem atrocious. It certainly sends chills down my spine! The reason behind the AAP's advice on no screens for under 2s stems from research that purports that because young children's brains are still developing, they need to interact with the world around them in order to learn and grow. Screen time can be a passive activity that interferes with child development.
There are some exceptions to the AAP's recommendation. For example, it's okay to use video chat to connect with family and friends far away. It's also fine to use screen time for educational purposes, such as watching educational videos or apps that teach children about letters, numbers, and shapes. However, it is important to limit screen time and ensure that it is not replacing other activities, such as playing, reading, and interacting with family and friends.
If you do choose to let your child under 2 watch screen time, there are a few things you can do to make it a more positive experience:
Choose high-quality content that is appropriate for your child's age and development.
Watch the content with your child and talk about what they are seeing.
Limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day.
Make sure your child has plenty of opportunities to play, read, and interact with family and friends.
By following these tips, you can help your child have a positive experience with screen time and avoid negativeconsequences.
YouTube is an excellent resource for children's entertainment. YouTube shows are not created equal. Some shows can actually be harmful to children's development. Here are five YouTube shows that you may want to avoid:
1. Peppa Pig
Peppa Pig is a popular British animated children's television series that follows the adventures of a young pig named Peppa and her family and friends. The show has been praised for its humor and its educational value. However, some experts have raised concerns about the show's portrayal of gender roles. For example, Peppa is often shown to be bossy and demanding, while her brother George is often shown to be more passive and compliant. This type of portrayal can reinforce traditional gender stereotypes, which can harm children's development. Peppa has also been criticised for her impolite and occasionally violent behaviour. This some claim can lead to an increase in tantrums among young children.
2. Masha and the Bear
Masha and the Bear is a Russian animated children's television series that follows the adventures of a young girl named Masha and a bear. The show has been praised for its humor and animation. However, some experts have raised concerns about the show's violence portrayal. For example, Masha is often shown to be physically aggressive towards the bear, and the bear is often shown to be passive and accepting of this aggression. This type of portrayal can normalise violence, which can be harmful to children's development.
3. Cocomelon
Cocomelon is an American animated children's television series featuring nursery rhymes and educational content. The show has been praised for its catchy songs and its colorful animation. However, some experts have raised concerns about the show's lack of educational value. For example, the songs on the show are often repetitive and simple, and they do not teach children new concepts. Additionally, the show's fast-paced and chaotic environment can be overwhelming for some children and contribute to a reduction in their attention span.
4. Ryan's World
Ryan's World is a YouTube channel created by a young boy named Ryan. The channel features videos of Ryan playing with toys, opening presents, and doing other activities. The channel is very popular, with over 25 million subscribers. However, some experts have raised concerns about the channel's focus on consumerism. For example, many of the videos on the channel feature Ryan playing with expensive toys, and the channel often promotes products to viewers. This type of focus on consumerism can be harmful to children's development, as it can teach them to value material possessions over other things, such as relationships and experiences.
5. Blaze and the Monster Machines
Blaze and the Monster Machines is an American animated children's television series that follows the adventures of a monster truck named Blaze and his friends. The show has been praised for its educational value. For example, the show teaches children about science and engineering concepts. However, some experts have raised concerns about the show's fast-paced and action-packed environment. This type of environment can be overwhelming for some children, and it can also promote aggressive behavior.
5 Alternative Shows to Watch Instead
If you are looking for YouTube shows that are safe and educational for children, here are five alternatives to the shows listed above:
1. Miss Rachel (Songs for Littles)
Miss Rachel (Songs for Littles) is a YouTube channel created by professional music teacher Rachel Platten. The channel features videos of Rachel singing songs for children. The songs are all original and designed to be educational and entertaining.
2. Bluey
Bluey is an Australian animated children's television series that follows the adventures of a young girl named Bluey and her family. The show has been praised for its humour, heartwarming stories, and realistic portrayal of family life.
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3. Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is an American animated children's television series based on the popular children's book series "The Giving Tree." The show is designed to teach children about social-emotional skills.
4. Sesame Street
Sesame Street is a long-running educational television show for children ages 2-5. It has been on the air since 1969 and is now in its 54th season. The show is a brilliant option for screen-conscious parents as it's known for its use of puppets, music, and animation to teach children about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and other basic concepts.
Furthermore, Sesame Street has been praised by educators and parents for its educational value. A study by the University of California, Los Angeles found that children who watched Sesame Street for one year scored significantly higher on tests of literacy and math than children who did not watch the show.
Another thing that sets Sesame Street apart from its contemporaries is its diversity. The show's cast includes children of all races, ethnicities, and abilities.
Sesame Street is an excellent aid in helping to educate and motivate young children. It is a safe and educational show that helps children develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills.
5. Barney the Dinosaur
Barney the Dinosaur is another popular children's television show known for its educational value. Barney is a purple dinosaur who loves to sing, dance, and play. He uses these activities to teach children about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and other basic concepts. Barney is also known for his positive messages about friendship, acceptance, and love.
Both Sesame Street and Barney the Dinosaur are great options for children's television shows. They are both educational, entertaining, and promote positive messages. Ultimately, the best show for your child will depend on their individual interests and needs.