How Is the Media Affecting Toddlers?

Development

• Toddlers who have access to media such as the TV and tablets may not spend quality time on activities that aid their development. Play is important in helping kids develop essential skills like problem-solving and sharing. When toddlers play while the TV is on, even in the background, they may not be paying enough attention to their activities, whether conversing with a parent or building with blocks, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends shielding children under 2 years of age from television and being very selective about the media older toddlers watch. The NAEYC advises that a little television won't harm children under 2 if a parent watches the show with the child and they talk about what they are viewing, considering of course, it is age-appropriate.

Sleep Problems

• Access to a wide range of media is a likely contribution to poor sleep. Lack of quality sleep is associated with a negative impact on cognitive development, decision-making, behavior and physical health, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Children ages 1 to 5 years old need around 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night, according to Kaiser.

Psychological Trauma

• Kids who watch violent, scary shows can experience psychological trauma. A toddler̵7;s brain is not yet mature enough to distinguish fantasy from reality. Those who watch frightening shows or movies are likely to experience bad dreams, fear, reduced school attendance and withdrawal from friends, according to the University of Michigan Health System. To shield children from the negative effects of violent or scary content, parents can restrict their access to such content.

Risky Behavior

• The relative ease of access to the internet means that some children are viewing pornography, including hardcore pornography, self-harm and eating disorder sites, and in the U.K. one-fifth of the children who viewed such sites, according to report in the major British newspaper, the Daily Mail, had considered trying what they saw. Toddlers were not in this group, but this is a good reason to monitor what all the children in the family are watching, not just the littlest ones, and it is a good reminder, that children of all ages, including toddlers, are vulnerable to the influences and effects of the media that surrounds them.