Strategies for Controlling Electronic Media Use

For older children, watching high-quality TV programs (at home) can have some benefits. However, for younger children caution is advised. The first two years of life are especially important in the growth and development of a child's brain. During this time, children need good, positive interaction with other children and adults to develop language and social skills. Learning to talk and play with others is far more important than watching television.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP, 2003) does not recommend any television for children younger than two years of age. For older children, the AAP recommends no more than one to two hours per day of high quality non-violent television time.

Best Practice limits the use of TV and videos in centers to educational material related to curriculum. TV and videos are never appropriate for infant and toddlers in early childhood programs.

Strategies for controlling electronic media should help you:

• IDENTIFY types of electronic media to which children are exposed
• IDENTIFY the impact of electronic media on children        
• IDENTIFY the effects of electronic media on children’s growth and development
• RECALL the definition of media violence
• IDENTIFY the types of media violence
• IDENTIFY the effects of media violence on children
• RECALL strategies to use when children are traumatized by tragic events portrayed in media
• IDENTIFY the effects of media advertising on children
• RECALL ways to combat the influence media advertising has on children
• RECALL the purpose of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
• IDENTIFY media safety and security guidelines for children, parents, and educators
• RECALL media rating scales
• RECALL effective strategies for controlling children’s use of electronic media

Related Training:
Media and Childhood Development (3 hours / .3 CEU)