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Essay / The Long-Term Effects of Television Exposure on Early Childhood Development
Table of ContentsCognitive DevelopmentSocial DevelopmentEmotional DevelopmentLong-Term EffectsConclusionTelevision has become a ubiquitous aspect of modern life. The average American household has the television on for more than 8 hours per day, which translates to a significant exposure rate for young children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of 2 should not be exposed to screen time, while children ages 2 to 5 should have a maximum of one hour per day. However, many parents are not following these guidelines, leading to a worrying trend of excessive television exposure among young children. This essay will examine the long-term effects of television exposure in early childhood, focusing specifically on cognitive, social, and emotional development. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Cognitive Development Research has shown that excessive exposure to television can negatively impact the cognitive development of young children. One of the biggest concerns is the effect on attention span. Studies have shown that children who watch more television have shorter attention spans, making it more difficult to concentrate and succeed in school. In addition to attention span, there are also concerns about the impact of television on language development. Children who watch television for long periods of time are exposed to less verbal stimulation than those who participate in more interactive activities. This lack of verbal interaction can hinder language development, leading to a delay in the acquisition of speech and language skills. Additionally, research has linked excessive television exposure to lower academic achievement in later years. Psychological theories can help explain the influence of television on cognitive development. According to social learning theory, children watch and learn from what they see on television, which reinforces or changes their behaviors. Cognitive development theory emphasizes the importance of active exploration and engagement in learning, which may be hindered by prolonged exposure to television. Social DevelopmentExcessive exposure to television has also been linked to poorer social development in young children. For example, children who watch more television tend to have poorer social skills, such as empathy and cooperation. This may be because television often presents a distorted version of reality, leading to unrealistic expectations of the social world. Research has identified a correlation between excessive television exposure and negative social behaviors, such as aggression and acting out. This correlation has been attributed to the fact that violent content makes up a significant portion of television programming, thereby normalizing aggression and violence among young children. Parental mediation can mitigate the negative impact of television on social development. Research has demonstrated that parental involvement, such as active discussion of content and co-watching, can counteract the negative effects of excessive television exposure on social development. Emotional development Another area of concern is the potential impact of television on development..