[wittle*star*]

link here

New federal guidelines for parents and carers say children should be banned from watching television until they turn two, warning that it can stunt language development and shorten their attention span.

The first official recommendations on children's viewing habits also say television time should be limited to an hour a day for children aged two to five.

The Australian says the drastic recommendations - which fly in the face of Australian children's actual viewing habits - are contained in the new Get Up and Grow guidelines for healthy eating and exercise in early childhood, devised by Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital as part of the federal government's anti-obesity drive.

"Based on recent research, it is recommended that children younger than two years of age should not spend any time watching television or using other electronic media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games)," a draft copy of the guidelines, obtained by The Australian, states.

"Screen time... may reduce the amount of time they have for active play, social contact with others and chances for language development.

"(It may) affect the development of a full range of eye movement (and)... reduce the length of time they can stay focused."

The Get up and Grow report - being finalised for release by federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon next week - is designed for childcare centres, but advises parents to "make a plan for reducing screen time at home".

eta link

This post has been edited by wittle*star*: 12/10/2009, 08:39 AM

[JustSmileAndNod]

Yes I totally agree with this that parents should not allow or limit TV under 2 years. My daughter did start watching Tv around 18 months however (LOL) but only DVD's and kids shows with no ads, a few times a week. We limit her TV now too but she watches more than I would like to admit (1-2 hours per day in the morning).

I try and keep the baby away from the TV he does not need it at this young age.

[SmallDarkHandsom...]

It's not a ban, it's just guidelines. You can ignore them if you choose, I am sure. I can't see how they will police them! I don't have a problem with them - I agree that children under two shouldn't really be watching TV. It's just unnecessary. I also feel that even 1hr / day for 2-5 yr olds is too much. DS isn't allowed to watch anything like that amount of TV. It's not even a case of needing to keep him occupied if I'm busy with something else - he's quite happy to do jigsaws, lego, drawing & colouring etc by himself if I need to get on with something (although I learned this weekend NOT to leave the glitter glue within his reach, unsupervised! ). He doesn't need to be staring glassy-eyed at the box as a general rule.

[Descentia]

Can I grab a link?

[JustSmileAndNod]

I also wanted to say I have certainly heard that advice before, no TV under 2 years of age. I just thought I was a bad Mum allowing it at all LOL.

[antianara]

it depends on the program, educational stuff I have no problems with.

[annasue]

Oh

Noah's had plenty of TV ...........I actually thought that was why he was so advanced in his speech and cognitive functioning .

I know I know I'm a baddddd mother !

This post has been edited by annasue: 12/10/2009, 08:41 AM

[alaksuleiel]

Descentia: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-natio...91012-gska.html

[Natahs_mum]

I think it depends on what they watch...

My kids usually watch Playschool which we all love here.. its the only show they will sit still for and just be glued to.... ABC can be on but they usually are too busy running around or outside, or playing withtoys...

Unless they are sick then ABC2 is a godsend.

[JRA]

I think that is perfectly reasonable and I thought that was pretty much as recommended for quite some time.

That said, I think it would be pretty challenging if you have older children who want to watch TV and younger children.