Study: Educational Videos for Kids Under Two Don’t Work

Smart children.

Ah yes, all parents want their kids to be smart; therefore, they try to give them a head start as early as possible.

How? By presenting them with a multitude of “educational videos” meant to- what else- educate them!

However, by doing so, they’ve just wasted money and their kids’ time because these videos don’t teach toddlers under 2 anything! At least that’s what the American Academy of Pediactrics (AAP) says.

AAP conducted a study on the effects of media on kids under the age of 2. They found that there is no evidence to suggest that educational videos or programs help toddlers learn.

Why? Simply because they don’t understand the video’s content. But don’t throw out those Baby Einstein DVDs just yet!

According to AAP, typically, kids older than 2 can understand the videos. So yes, those Brainy Baby DVDs are still useful.

Other highlights of the study are:

• Kids learn best through unstructured play or free play. Which means sitting on the floor with toys is better than sitting in front of the TV. Free play is good for brain development, as it improves: creativity, problem solving, reasoning and motor skills.

• Leaving the TV in the background, even if toddlers don’t watch, distracts them from learning during free play.

• Toddlers who spend too much TV time may develop language delays.

So, should I still have the TV on around my toddler?

Of course, but limit the time she sees or hears the the telly.

Play games with her instead because studies show that human interaction is the best way for kids to learn. If you can’t always play with your toddler, leave her somewhere safe with a bunch of her toys.

Allowing her to play alone helps her development as well.

Oh, and another bonus of keeping the TV off longer? It helps you save on your electricity bill.

Source:
Aap.org (www.aap.org/pressroom/mediaunder2.pdf), Babies and Toddlers Should Learn From Play, Not Sreens
Photo:
Creative Commons from treehouse1977