They say that children are like sponges when it comes to acquiring knowledge. This is true whether they are learning to speak or show their emotions. Violence and risky behaviors shown on television can have a profound effect on a developing young mind. It is well known that the first two years of life are when the brain goes through critical phases of development. During this period, it is important for children to develop an accurate perception of the world in which they are growing up. Overconsumption of media (in general) presents a false reality that rewards violent behavior, hinders mental and physical development, and promotes risky behavior. In response to this, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that "children under the age of two should not watch any television and those over the age of two should watch no more than 1 to 2 hours per day of programming." quality” (Kidshealth.org). There is no doubt that television in moderation can be a good thing: young children are exposed to excellent educational tools such as Dora the Explorer, Word World (my favorite) and Bubble Guppies. These are just a few of the many quality programs that teach young children the basics such as the alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors. These programs are also excellent educators of other life skills, such as teaching the value of friendship and the importance of helping each other overcome perceived challenges. However, too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Children who spend too much time watching television, whether educational or not, develop damaging routines that can last a lifetime. These patterns can lead to apathy, aggression (due to witnessing acts of violence), racial, sexual, and gender stereotyping, and more risky behaviors. late in life....... middle of paper ...... responses, expectations, concerns, and liking related activities. Communication Monographs 58.4 (1991): 384-401. Internet. March 19, 2011. Crump, Charla A. “Media Literacy: Addressing the Effects of Television on Children.” Annual Student Research Conference. (1995): Internet. March 19, 2011. Kirkoian, Heather L., Wartella, Ellen A., Anderson, Daniel R. “Media and Early Childhood Learning.” Children's Futures 18.1 (2008): 39-61. Internet. March 19, 2011. Mary, Gavin L. “How TV Affects Your Child.” » October 2008. The web. March 19, 2011. “Violence in the media.” Pediatrics 2001: 108. Web. March 19, 2011. Strasbourg, Victor C. and Donnerstein, Edward. “Children, adolescents and the media: problems and solutions. » Pediatrics 103.1 (1999): 129-159. Print.Wilson, Barbara J. “Media and Child Aggression, Fear and Altruism.” Children's Futures 18.1 (2008): 87-118. Internet. March 19 2011.