10 Side Effects Of Watching TV On Your Toddler

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Many parents may wonder whether the drawbacks of watching TV for toddlers outweigh the benefits since many television shows aim exclusively to provide entertainment to the little ones. Although some shows are educational for toddlers, it may be inappropriate for them to be glued to the television and prefer it over playtime. Further, some toddlers may exhibit an unhealthy spike in their interest in watching TV. Some may also demand to watch TV more frequently and throw tantrums whenever the TV is switched off. Read this post to learn more about the negative side effects of watching TV on toddlers.

Is TV Always Bad For Your Toddler?

Experts recommend that toddlers and children aged two to five should have no more than one hour of daily screen time. While excessive screen time can be harmful, when carefully monitored for both duration and content, television can be a valuable tool for developing literacy and language skills (1).

However, early screen exposure could have potential drawbacks in childhood. Some studies state that toddlers watching TV (without screen limit) before or at preschool age are at a greater risk for developmental challenges and behavioral problems. Early exposure to TV has also been linked to attention disordersⁱCondition when children are hyperactive and have trouble controlling impulsive behavior and paying attention , issues with sleep and routine, and adverse effects on academic achievement and social and cognitive development (1). Furthermore, children who spend more than four hours a day before TV are more likely to experience obesity (2).

Quick fact

Excessive screen time can increase your child’s risk for mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression (10).

10 Side Effects Of Watching TV For Toddlers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that 47.5% of children aged two to five years spend more than two hours of screen time daily. Here are ten effects of TV on toddlers that can affect adversely:

1. It can permanently damage the brain structure of your toddler

According to research, watching too much TV can alter your toddler’s brain structure and functioning (3). If your toddler spends too much time watching TV, they will have a higher amount of gray matter near their frontopolar cortex. It is the area that is located at the front part of your toddler’s frontal lobeⁱThe largest lobe of the brain involved in motor function, problem-solving, memory, language, judgment, impulse control, social behavior, etc. . Such a condition can mean your toddler may have difficulty with verbal intelligenceⁱAbility to use and comprehend words to communicate effectively .

While your toddler watches TV, they may come across several interactive content and educational TV shows for toddlers. However, the pace of knowledge that your toddler gets from watching TV does not always vary or increase as per your toddler’s mental capabilities. It means your toddler may experience a damaging effect on their cognitive developmentⁱThe process through which a child learns, thinks, and understands the world as they grow. (3).

2. There are no real educational benefits for toddlers under 2 years

Until the time your toddler does not reach the age of two years, there is no real educational benefit in watching TV. Whatever your toddler watches on TV is pre-programmed and may adversely impact your toddler’s cognitive abilitiesⁱThe brain’s ability to acquire, process, store, and retrieve information (1). Your toddler may have a very distorted image of the real world from the education they receive from watching TV. They may also have problems relating to real people if they get used to watching virtual characters at an early age.

Dr. Sharifa N. Glass, MD, a board-certified pediatrician from Houston, Texas, says, “All high-quality shows available for children ages 18 months and older are not right for your child. To find the best shows, watch how your child interacts with the content. The best shows will elicit verbal responses (i.e., repeating words, singing, asking questions, etc.) or physical activity (i.e., jumping, dancing, etc.) from your child.”

3. It takes away precious time from your toddler

Getting used to watching TV will mean your toddler loses a lot of real-time that they could use in real situations. Being around real people and in real-time situations will help your toddler develop their various brain functions. Having quality family time with fun activities, such as reading a storybook with good moral lessons, can instill good values and improve the child’s creativity and imagination. When your toddler plays with other children their age and sees real things, they will learn much more than watching TV.

Research says

According to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, for every hour a toddler watches TV, they lose 9% of their creative playtime on weekdays and 11% on weekends (13).

4. It numbs any initiatives

When your toddler is constantly exposed to TV, it can numb their thinking abilities and more (4). Certain TV shows may teach your toddler, but they can also dissuade them from taking any initiative themselves. As TV shows come with every idea and activity pre-programmed, there is not much scope for your toddler to develop critical thinking skills and take the initiative to think or do something.

5. Reading time gets encroached upon

The time your toddler spends watching TV takes up the time they could spend reading. Reading is recommended for toddlers from as early as they can hold a book, even earlier if possible. It will help your toddler perform better once they are at school. Reading will also help sharpen your toddler’s various cognitive and motor skillsⁱUse of muscles to make physical movements . It will encourage them to spend quality time, encourage their imagination, and improve their memory (4).

6. Too much TV can hamper speech

Most speech and language experts warn that being exposed to too much TV noise at home can hamper timely child development by affecting their speech. If your toddler is always exposed to background noise from the TV, they will have difficulty listening to other sounds and words. It can permanently hamper your toddler’s speaking abilities (5).

7. Learning with a teacher becomes difficult

If your toddler gets used to watching shows with high-quality educational programming on TV, it can clash with the way they learn from a real teacher. Many parents may wonder whether the drawbacks of watching TV for toddlers outweigh the benefits since many television shows are aimed exclusively at providing entertainment to the little ones. The shows your toddler watches on TV are always fast-paced and filled with animation. Once your toddler gets used to learning through these shows, they will find it difficult to concentrate on regular teaching techniques in the classroom. It can also become difficult for your toddler to pay attention to studying or learning at home.

Point to ponder

Studies suggest that a child’s brain develops rapidly in the first three years, and they grasp and understand information more effectively through real-life experiences than through screen-based interactions (14).

8. Attracted towards negative influences

TV viewing has always been criticized for the negative impact it has on toddlers and children. Even though you regulate what your toddler watches, commercials or shows that do not have age-appropriate content can always come up. TV shows will not always match the sensitivities or values you may want your toddler to learn. For instance, you may not want your toddler to eat packaged foods, but TV shows or commercials may encourage this (6).

Emi Sano, a mother and blogger, shares how increasing screen time affected her child’s behavior. She says, “As my son grows up, we’ve been allowing more and more screen time. It doesn’t total more than two hours in a day. I’ve noticed, however, that the more screen time he has been getting, the worse his tantrums have become (i).”

9. It can make your toddler obese

Watching TV will take away play time from your toddler and may limit their time for physical activity and exercise (6). In most cases, your toddler may turn out to be overweight, even obese. Limiting screen time is crucial as toddlers who watch too much TV may start facing weight issues from an early age.

Point to consider

Many TV commercials propagate unhealthy food choices, and children who watch TV, especially food ads, are likely to eat more (10).

10. Increases Blood Pressure

If your toddler is exposed to TV viewing, it can harm their blood pressure by increasing the levels. According to a study, watching too much TV between the ages of two and ten years can put your toddler at a 30% increased risk of high blood pressure. Combined with lesser physical activity, it can further increase the risk factor by 50%.

Point to consider

Removing the TV from their bedroom, keeping track of the time spent, not allowing them to watch TV during mealtimes, and engaging them in other board or physical activities can help decrease your toddler’s screen time (10).

Making TV Time Productive For Your Toddler

Although eliminating TV exposure may be challenging, selecting toddler-friendly programs and managing screen time can make it a positive and educational experience. Here are some guidelines to ensure your toddler’s TV time is enriching and enjoyable (7):

• Prioritize TV shows that offer good-quality screen time, as it positively impacts learning and behavior in toddlers.
• Establish clear limits on your toddler’s TV time and decide on the best times of day for them to watch.
• Choose co-viewing-friendly programs by shortlisting shows that you find both tolerable and enjoyable.
• Avoid TV shows that have violent themes or promote antisocial behavior, as these can harm your child’s development.
• Prefer shows that foster messages and themes (such as dance or science) aligned with your values and preferences.
• Choose shows that match your child’s interests, like interactive songs if they love singing, to keep them entertained and actively engaged.
• Pick educational TV shows that help your child learn new words, facts, or ideas in an enjoyable and engaging way.
• Select shows, movies, and videos with positive messages, inclusive themes, and age-appropriate content, promoting emotional well-being in preschoolers.
• Be cautious about apps featuring ads, check privacy settings, and assess the potential addictiveness of shows to ensure a safe and balanced screen experience for your child.

Sharing her valuable insights with the Child Mind Institute, researcher Dr. Sarah Lytle advises parents to engage with their toddlers during screen time and choose age-appropriate entertainment shows. She says, “We need to understand and manage expectations regarding different circumstances. Media for entertainment is fine for kids, as long as the time spent is moderate and the content is suitable (11).”

Ways To Break Your Toddler’s TV Habit

While controlled TV viewing may not harm toddlers, it becomes problematic when it negatively impacts their routine and health. Here are some strategies to help manage your toddler’s screen time and encourage healthy screen habits (10) (12):

• Find out what they are addicted to: Identify what the child likes watching to choose suitable content and tailor screen time to their interests.
• Take it slow: Don’t cut screen time all at once. Gradually reduce it to make it easier for your child to adjust.
• Set up screen-free areas: Keep mealtimes, play areas, and bedrooms free of screens. This helps encourage family time and other activities.
• Watch together: If you can’t avoid screen time completely, watch TV with your toddler to monitor what they watch and for how long.
• Set a good example: Reduce your own screen time, too. Show your toddler there are other fun things to do.
• Distract with other fun activities: Engage your toddler in other activities they enjoy, such as sports, drawing, or reading, to keep them occupied.
• Create screen-free routines: Incorporate daily activities, like outdoor play or family time, as screen-free moments in your toddler’s routine.
• Offer rewards: Set goals to reduce screen time and reward your toddler with extra playtime or their favorite snack to help them achieve their goals.

Infographic: Possible Effects Of Watching Television On Toddlers

With screens becoming an integral part of our lives, children are at risk of excessive exposure to televisions. An increase in screen time has several ill effects on a toddler’s physiological, socio-emotional, and psychological well-being. The infographic below details a few of the negative effects of binging on television and tips to combat them.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Serious Defects Of Watching TV For Toddlers

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

The impact of television on children has always been controversial. Watch this video to gain insights from an expert on the effects television has on your child.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Tashawna StokesMD

Dr. TaShawna Stokes is a mom to two beautiful daughters and currently practices in the Atlanta area. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Auburn University and The University of South Alabama. She completed her Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

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  Dr. Sharifa GlassMD, IBCLC Dr. Sharifa N. Glass is a board-certified pediatrician and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) practicing at The Vine Pediatrics and Lactation, a house-call concierge practice in Houston, Texas. She is also a clinical assistant professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine. Dr. Glass did her MD from Drexel University College of Medicine and pediatrics residency program from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
  
  Dr. Sharifa N. Glass is a board-certified pediatrician and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) practicing at The Vine Pediatrics and Lactation, a house-call concierge practice in Houston, Texas. She is also a clinical assistant professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine. Dr. Glass did her MD from Drexel University College of Medicine and pediatrics residency program from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Jessica AlbertBE

Jessica Albert is a passionate writer who seeks to connect with her readers through wit and charm. Her work aims to invoke curiosity and keep the readers engaged through and through. She has two years of experience working with magazines and e-commerce establishments as a content marketer and editor.

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Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

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