In recent years we have experienced an upsurge in television programming and advertising designed and marketed directly to young children. In addition to television, other forms of electronic media have become commonplace in American households. This workshop will explore the staggering statistics concerning TV/media use in the home and how such media exposure can affect the young child’s cognitive, emotional, physical and social development.

COURSE OUTLINE:

     We live in a media saturated culture. Much of this new media is aimed at very young children. It is estimated that children in the zero to six age range spend an average of two hours per day with screen media, yet there is limited publicized research as to the effects such media can have on child development.

     This workshop will explore the astounding statistics concerning television and other media use in the home. We will look at the media viewing habits of the American family, with special focus on the viewing practices of infants and toddlers, and young children ages 4 to 6.

     We will look at different media influences and how they may shape the way children learn and perceive the world around them. We will also explore the way young children process the information they are getting from television and other media forms.

     Special emphasis will be on violent programming and its negative effects. Additional emphasis will be on advertising and how it affects the young child’s consumer and dietary habits.

     We will conclude with a discussion on the various steps parents can take to limit the negative effects of television and other screen media, as well as explore the efforts being made by governmental groups to put restraints on childhood programming and advertising.