has anyone heard of just how bad tv ....
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Topic: has anyone heard of just how bad tv ....
Posted By: Henna79
Subject: has anyone heard of just how bad tv ....
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 10:59am
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is for our little ones?
I saw something a while back on tv that says that our kids are struggling to read because of the eye not being able to function properly (it can't go back to the beginning of the next line) and have found out more today in that the eye is not only not able to read properly it also can't do a whole range of things as the eye muscles at the back are not able to form properly because they aren't getting the exercise needed when what they do most of the time is stare at a screen. I didn't want Alex to watch much tv to begin with but now I so have more of a reason to not have the tv on at all. 
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Replies:
Posted By: pepsi
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 11:04am
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I have been a compulsive tv viewer since I was a child and honestly have no issues with eyesight.. Maybe it depends on how close you sit, how dark the lighting in the room is etc??
There have always been plenty of other reasons why too much tv is bad so I guess this is just another one to add to the list 
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Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 11:12am
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I think that's if you let them view TV over doing other activities. A little TV a day I think is ok but if you sit them in front of 'educational' tv for hours on end yes you'd have a problem. -------------  
 
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Posted By: lemongirl
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 11:14am
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Chalk me up as another TV viewer from a young age. If anything these new large plasma screens must be a whole lot easier on young eyes than little boxes we used to watch!
I should add that my problem with TV especially kiddie's TV is so much of is terrible. I've taken to downloading the classic stuff, hong kong phooey, fraggle rock etc. off the internet. and watching that. |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 11:16am
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My eyes got a whole lot worse working with computer screens - I have myopia and astigmatism any ways - but working with the old vdu screens were pretty bad for eyes.
------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Febgirl
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 11:24am
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Yeah I think it's everything in moderation - a bit of tv won't do any harm but you wouldn't want your child watching hours upon hours everyday. ------------- Two little girls under 2! 
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 12:27pm
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I agree lemongirl there is sooooo much rubbish on for kids these days!! I let my wee one watch some TV - mainly music dvds which usually get her up and dancing...
I would think they would have had to watch an awful lot of TV to significantly effect there eye tracking... But I have worked with children in early intervention that have been brought up by the TV and at first were diagnosed as autistic as their social interaction were so disordered... but that was extreme! TV is just not a good way for children to learn as it's only a one way interaction and they get no feedback for any attempts they may make at communicating... but in my opinion a little is fine... ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 7:42pm
| meh, another study to make us feel crap about our parenting. |
Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 7:46pm
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yeah i dont take too much heed of things like this...yes if they watched it all day every day it would be bad but if they get fresh air, love attention and all that.. i don't think some tv does them any harm:) you certainly cant tell the ones I've taught that watch lots of tv (pre schoolers) ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: BeLoved
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 7:58pm
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I agree Lizzle! ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 8:13pm
I'm still wondering what on earth Yo Gabba Gabba is meant to be teaching my kids... -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Brenna
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 8:14pm
lol Just what I was thinking!!------------- My beautiful 2 girls...nearly 4 and 13 months
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lizzle wrote:Posted By: Bubbaloo
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 9:15pm
I wonder the same thing Emma. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  Was danni-chick Mum to James My Angel 28/07/08 |
Posted By: monikah
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 9:32pm
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yea i have seen heaps of stuff about TV too, we dont have a TV in our 'family room' just games, colouring, play dough, toys etc.. im not toally against it, ill let my kids watch movies in the weekend and weekend morning cartoons but im all about doing stuff. i read a real interesting study about 'educational programs' apparently in a child under 2 years of age, they gain as much 'educational qualties' as watching the simpsons!! because all they can really pick up is the colour, movement and sound. i think the comparison they used was with simpsons and baby einstein which i always thought would be great for development but kids under 2 cant take anything away from it. the other thing i read was that the high incidence of ADD/ADHD was due to kids being used to so much stimulation they cant concentrate when they are in class cos the teacher cant provide enough stimulation.
i dont think TV is the source of all evil. im not too into it but ive seen what it did to my sisters kids (really excessive TV watching) and i have anouther friend whos child speaks with an american accent (purely from watching shows on TV, he is an older kid) im also sure that the effects will be different for different kids. i think as long as they are getting plenty of time with mum and dad and toys and arent being babysat then its all good. i also think the studies need to be taken with a grain of salt. they dont indicate ALL children will end up with problems. i suppse its similar to the immunisation/autism thing. there are studies which show links but it is up to people to decide whether its true or what to do bout it etc.. wow sorry that is so long winded. i have a passion about the subject cos of my sisters kids. lol ------------- 
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Posted By: Henna79
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 9:42pm
| he he Monikah I may be a little passionate about it to as I know of someone who has theirs on all the time and I see what it's doing to their littlies. My younger siblings are all total tv addicts and I see what sitting in front of the box has done to them and I can say that it ain't great. |
Posted By: WRXnKids
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 10:00pm
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i almost always have the tv going but its mostly background because it wont catch josh's attention for more than 2 min at a time. Although i have noticed he can now say Yo gabba gabba at the end of the show - what is it with that program and kids that draws them too it?
IMO there is a study for everything and 99% of the time one that contradicts it. Every child is different just like every child learns differently so for all i know it could be helpful to some kids. Like with everything moderation is good. Each to their own and all that but ya cant take all reseach too seriously because you never know when they will tell you the opposite like 'oh yeah the world is round opps my bad' and 'um yeah about that smoking thing? well actually its just poison but your addicted now so thanks for the profits' -------------   
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 10:14pm
I Agree ------------- |
Posted By: .Mel
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 10:21pm
Me 3. ------------- Mr Mellow (16) Miss Attitude (8) Destructa Kid (3) 
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 05 August 2009 at 11:40pm
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me 4
and what crazy ass kind of drugs are the people that make kids programmes now a days on ? I watched The Night Garden once, thought I was having a very bad drug reaction ....and I wasn't doing any drugs . Bring back Jem , and the Snorks,and Fraggle rock ,and the Wuzzles, and Moon Dreamers, and Rainbow Bright, Danger Mouse , Gummi Bears etc etc etc . *reminisces* ------------- 
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 7:19am
Good research takes into account the heterogeneity of the population being studied. This is why they use random assignment when grouping participants and have larger sample sizes to get statistically significant results. IMO it is great that we have research looking at so many areas of development and effects of different things as this is how we learn what works and what doesn't. Of course there will be contradicting research but it's a matter of learning how to critque a study to determine if it was good quality research and if other studies are available to back it up.... lol can you tell I'm into research IMO research shouldn't make us feel guilty but help guide us in the future...------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 7:53am
If anyone is interested in reading a review article on that examines children's television use and effects on cognitive development and learning in preschoolers I have a very recent one but way way too massive to post here  It is a review of lots of research studies on the topic....------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: mamanee
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 8:29am
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Me 5 from what somebody said on the other page.
I'm tossing up between feeling guilty that Sam watches TV and feeling pleased that TV has helped to provide me with short bursts of sanity! |
Posted By: lisa85
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 8:35am
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Sheza wrote: lizzle wrote: meh, another study to make us feel crap about our parenting. I Agree Me 3.
I'd agree with that -------------  
TTC #3 since Jan 2010 - PCOS MC April 2010 |
Posted By: Gardengirl
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 9:04am
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Surely it's all about moderation? I see my SIL's kids completely zoned out for hours on end in front of the screen and when the TV broke and there was no sound their zoned out reaction changed not one jot. Don't tell me that's OK for a kid's development.
I do think TV can be thoroughly educational, but it can be a complete cop-out as well. |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 9:28am
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Oh I agree - heaps of TV is not a good thing. I also don't think educational TV such as Little Einsteins is educational in the slightest - it's just to make parents feel better. That's why I use ' ' around the word educational.
If you want to make TV educational sit with your child and discuss what you are watching. I use TV as a sanity time out for me and it's only about 40 minutes a day unless I'm ill. It makes me a better parent for the rest of the time
I hate yo gaba gaba with a passion (and luckily so does DD) but she does like (and is currently watching) In The Night Garden. It's my half hour of sanity - now only on Thursdays and Fridays thanks to TVNZ. 
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Posted By: Henna79
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 9:39am
I think you sum it up nicely Gardengirl I don't wanna seem all high and mighty cos I use the tv to get Alex to sleep when he is totally beside himself but I know that it is so no good for him so I don't have it on as I don't want him to grow up thinking its ok to sit in front of the tv all day.
I can't stand it when people use it as a tool to get their kids out of their face (and I know a few who do this) so they can sit there in their own little world doing what they want to do rather than play or take care of their kids. (Sorry if this offends anyone and I am so not saying that if you aren't feeling well and you need it to help you then go ahead cos I fully intend to do this if needed as tv will be a treat not something that is part of everyday life). |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 9:49am
my kids watch tv everyday! sometimes in the morning and the afternoon! 
They also love to read and do that every day too! Oh and they love to go outside and jump on the tramp and dig in the garden! and i dont know how many times i have heard people say that their kids watch tv so they can prepare dinner in peace! did you hear about the study that said background noise in the form of a tv or radio on is also bad for their speech development! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: sally belly
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 9:54am
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Liam is just not interested in watching TV at all. Sometimes the odd thing (usually car racing on the sports news ) will catch his attention but it never lasts for more than a few seconds.
I guess I should be thankful, for now, but I did think it might be a good distraction for him when I'm busy with the new baby (for short periods of time, of course ).
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Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 10:18am
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oh I think you can find studies on pretty much everything nowadays. Parental Discretion definitely advised -------------
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 10:43am
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considering the amount of children exposed to television I would think it's a pretty important thing to have researched! and yes there are studies on many things these days - IMO we're lucky to have this information to help us guide our children reach their full potential... it is these early years that make all the difference for neural development. ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 10:53am
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Yes but I doubt that the whole research is being quoted. I suspect there was a threashold in the study. The problem arises when media outlets pick and choose what bits to share.
I think it is an important thing to research but when I say parental discretion advised I mean do your own reading on the matter don't just take it from one source. And I stand by the fact there are studies on everything. -------------
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 11:08am
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I was saying the same thing on the previous page... that there are lots of good studies out there but we need to critque the research to determine if it is reliable and valid to the situation. I agree I would always advocate that people read the full and original article. I also think it's important people read peer reviewed scientific research rather than some of the rubbish ya see on the net I didn't disagree that there are studies on everything either - I just think it's a good thing But I'm doing research in early intervention so somewhat biased ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: Ant
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 12:38pm
I don't think much research is done because the person was bored. Or because they have something against parents. Good research would definitely change how I raise my children. I'm not saying this bit of research is right. And it's likely they are looking at extremes. It certainly won't be saying "This will happen to all children" but more likely "This could happen to some - enough that we should be aware of it when we are looking at kids who are *actually* spending most of the day every day in front of the television". In our house we try to follow a basic rule, and that won't change when this baby comes. "Don't want 'tv', watch a program". Sitting down and watching whatever's on for 5 hours isn't for us. Sitting down and watching a particular program or movie is something we do daily. Edited because it turns out I got a little heated ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 12:48pm
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Bobbie, I agree with everything you have said.
I have also done a couple of research papers and firmly believe that you will always find a research paper to support your point of view no matter the topic! I also believe that that is what most people do on a subconsious level as if it is something that "interests" you or you feel strongly about you are more likely to read that article or listen to that as its supports your view. -------------  
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Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 1:18pm
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kelly I'm with you! esp on INTG I just don't get that show!
our tv on a lot of the time and only two things E even tries to watch but i must get in the habit of turning it off more :) freckle next time i see you i might attempt to read that article:) peanut well said! tv for us is more cause I am used to background noise etc..but he gets outside and does all the other important things too..it's only really the wiggles he loves..:) ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 1:24pm
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four eyes did you watch too much tv as a child...??? LOL! remember whenwe used to be told that sitting too close to the tv was bad for our eyes...turns out it wasnt! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 1:28pm
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hehe:) no my mum was really strict on tv when i was little:) and I lived in a small country town so we were allowed out all day:) but it cracked me up when she babysat yesterday and her and dad said 'wow it is so much easier to have the tv going sometimes isn't it...' hehe:)
i got glasses before all the rest of my family and watched the least tv...hehe ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 2:57pm
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Sorry Freckle just re-reading what I wrote. It came across as very abrupt and I didn't mean it to. -------------
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 3:38pm
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that's okay Bobbie I didn't take it that way
I agree with ya peanut you can probably support most views with a research article that's why I think people need to be good at identifying GOOD research by looking at methodology, participants, sample size etc... I know in both my work and parenting research has changed my practices, but only when there is enough evidence to warrant it. One article/study on it's own is very weak evidence however, when there are numerous papers supporting a certain practice then I believe it deserves serious consideration. There is a fair amount of evidence indicating television is not good for preschoolers in terms of cognitive development but I have never looked into eye tracking so not sure... However, I definitely agree with moderation as I'd go mad if I couldn't use the wiggles to entertain my wee one every now and then
KA I'll email it to ya if ya want not that I don't wanna see you - in fact I should come see ya new place soon ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 06 August 2009 at 4:00pm
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bobbie - no it was totally fine...:) i feel the same the other way round bout those two shows:)
just realised today often it's me sneaking a glance and Ethan doesn't really care... wiggles is on at tea time now too:( he never actually watches without me i also realised.. the most i would get would be 5 mins ....wish he did sit still for longer some days:) freckle yes you should...but cool email me(xtra address) ! ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |