The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued new guidelines for parents recommending that children under the age of 2 should not watch TV. And they aren’t singling out babies and toddlers: They want kids of all ages to cut down the amount of time spent watching TV each week -- which amounts to about 21 hours on average. Two hours a day is more acceptable, says the largest organization of pediatricians in the nation, totaling more than 55,000. A break from other electronic devices is also called for, especially in the child’s bedroom. The AAP recommends a media-free room and reducing the time spent watching TV, playing video games, watching videos, surfing the Internet and playing computer games.

So what about educational television for preschoolers? "Barney and Friends," "Sesame Street," "Arthur," and the latest PBS hit, "Teletubbies," are all promoted as “educational” television. In fact, "Teletubbies," which originally appeared in Britain and features toddler-like creatures with televisions in their bellies, is the only show directly aimed at children under 2 years old. Dr. Miriam Bar-On, Chair of Committee on Public Education for the AAP, Assoc Prof. of Pediatrics at the Louisiana State Univ. School of Medicine has said, "Most PBS programs are very good, just not for kids under 2."

The purpose behind the recommendation is simple: Get parents to spend more time interacting with their babies and toddlers and less time using TV as a babysitter. But some parents may argue that the educational shows are just as beneficial. Even if parents are monitoring time spent in front of the TV, supervising what their kids are watching and co-viewing everything, it still isn’t as stimulating as, say, reading a book or playing a game.

Children undergo rapid brain development in the first two years of life. Vital connections in the brain are made during this period that can shape the way a child learns, interacts and responds to everyday life.

The new guidelines also suggest pediatricians ask their patients about time media exposure and take steps to promote less time in front of the TV. The guidelines went so far as to suggest pediatricians turn off the TV in their waiting room, to set an example.

Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania found that 99 percent of homes have a TV; 46.3 percent of American homes not only have a TV, but they also have a VCR, video game equipment and a personal computer. With all of this media staring us in the face, it’s hard for toddlers to not be interested. Still, the longer you can postpone introducing your little one to the TV, the better. (8/99)