Thursday, November 3, 2011

TV time keeps toddlers? brains active, but face-to-face interactions are still best (Yahoo! News)

Choosing the right programming is key when it comes to children

The role that television plays in a child's developing brain chemistry has long been debated. Past research has hinted that TV time may hinder a youngster's language and interaction skills, and even programming catered to young viewers like Sesame Street has come under fire. However, new findings indicate that behind the slack-jawed, TV-watching stares of youngsters lies an active brain.

It turns out that TV isn't actually inherently bad for kids, but the right type of programming is key when it comes children under 3 years of age. Studies now reveal that shows that actively engage young viewers ? like Dora the Explorer ? can actually promote larger vocabularies. Programs that encourage kids to follow along with a narrative are also beneficial, as they require a longer attention span than short-form entertainment.

But while TV may not be detrimental to a developing mind, the importance of real-life interactions can't be understated. Children who spend copious amounts of their days in front of the tube may be missing out on crucial face-to-face time with family and siblings, which could negatively affect interaction skills down the road. Researchers say that youngsters should be limited to less than two hours of TV per day, simply for the fact that it promotes a more active lifestyle. But in the end, it seems the cries of "TV rots your brain," are slowly being silenced.

(Source)

This article originally appeared on Tecca

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Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/techblog/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_technews/20111101/tc_yblog_technews/tv-time-keeps-toddlers-brains-active-but-face-to-face-interactions-are-still-best

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