A study released yesterday in the Child Development Journal supports the claim that background television “is a disruptive influence on very young children’s behavior.” In simple terms, having the TV on makes it harder for kids to play, even if they’re not focusing on the TV. That’s not an altogether surprising conclusion: distractions tend to distract.
What should not be overlooked is the researchers’ observation: “These findings have implications for subsequent cognitive development.” If play is one of the primary means of cognitive development for children (and it is), then background TV can slow their cognitive development, which can in turn affect social and emotional development.
So when it is time to play, turn off the TV, and check out tumblon’s list of developmentally appropriate toys, books and activities. You might find yourself having so much fun, you unplug the TV!
