T V could make kids brighter – if parents watch too

RATHER than making children unimaginative, television could actually improve their thinking skills, studies suggest.

But this only happens when children watch age-appropriate shows and their parents join in and help them learn.

Researchers at Portsmouth University and Paris Nanterre University analysed more than 100 studies on children and screens and concluded shows such as Sesame Street may help parents teach their children by providing ideas for activities or encouraging them to learn together.

The experts warn longer screen time may be linked to delays in language acquisition, but evidence suggests television may not be harmful if parents comment on programmes and join in.

Co-author Dr Eszter Somogyi, from the University of Portsmouth, said: ‘Families differ in their attitudes toward the use of media. These differences play an important role in determining TV’s impact. Watching television with your child and elaborating on what is viewed can help enhance understanding. Co-viewing can also contribute to the development of conversation skills.’

Studies show children’s shows which address children directly, such as Dora The Explorer, are linked to higher language abilities. Sesame Street was associated with better learning of letters and numbers. However, complicated shows like Teletubbies do not facilitate language learning, according to the Frontiers in Psychology review.

The researchers warn that children under two can struggle to relate television to the real world and may have trouble understanding speech from a screen without adult guidance.

Dr Bahia Guellai, from Paris Nanterre University, said televisions ‘should be used as potential tools to complement some social interactions with young children, but not to replace them’.