TV Viewing and Cognitive Development

TV Viewing Before the Age of 2 Has No Cognitive Benefit

Newwise.com reported the first longitudinal study of its kind measuring the effect of TV viewing on young children’s language and visual motor skills. According to Michael Rich, MD, MPH a pediatrician who directs the Center on Media and Child Health and contributing author on this study, TV viewing before the age of 2 does not improve a child's language and visual motor skills. The study suggests that maternal, child and household characteristics are more influential to a child's brain development.

Dr Rich adds, “TV exposure in infants has been associated with increased risk of obesity, attention problems, and decreased sleep quality. Parents need to understand that infants and toddlers do not learn or benefit in any way from viewing TV at an early age."