Time.com writer Matt Peckham writes that "The American Academy of Pediatrics has repeatedly warned that screen time for children under the age of 2 is a no-no." and wonders if that same warning should apply to tablets and smartphones.
Part of the reasoning for the warning against letting children under the age of 2 watch television is that this can have a negative effect on language development and get in the way of sleep. Children benefit the most from interacting with parents/caretakers and hearing a wide range of vocabulary.
Researchers in England and the U.S. have found some benefits to letting young children use interactive programs on a smartphone or tablet. However, Peckham warns parents not to get taken in by exaggerated claims from people that make apps designed for toddlers and preschoolers. We still don't really know the long-term benefits and effects of interactive apps.
Peckham concludes that "interactive-device use by very young children doesn’t appear to be detrimental to learning in the ways noninteractive video is" and suggests that "these devices work best when they’re employed as complementary to parental interaction, say, as conversation starters (as opposed to conversation enders, or simply babysitters)."
At Horizon Education Centers, we do not sit your child in front of a television. We work to educate the young minds placed in our care. Our Toddler Care program is aligned with Ohio's Infant and Toddler Guidelines with these areas of emphasis: Physical Health Skills; Social and Educational Development; Motor Development; Language and Communication Development; and Cognitive Development.
We have a 1:7 Staff/child ratio and with our highly responsive care, it's vitally important for our staff to understand your baby's needs and how to create a positive nurturing bond.
photo credit: Sean MacenTee
