TV & Movies

What does the new AAP policy say about screentime for babies?
What does the new AAP policy say about screentime for babies? 150 150 Mediatrics

On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with a revised policy on media for kids two and younger. The recommendations for this age group are much the same as they were in 1999—that it is best for their developing brains and bodies to avoid both screen use (such as placing a toddler in…

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Will media affect my 4-year-old’s ability to pay attention?
Will media affect my 4-year-old’s ability to pay attention? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: I’m wondering if you would consider the results of research that has examined relationships between media and inattention to be conclusive. It seems that even on this website, some researchers find a connection and some don’t. Do the results lean in one direction more than the other? I have a 4-year-old son who is…

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Can TV help my infant sleep while keeping me awake?
Can TV help my infant sleep while keeping me awake? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My boyfriend and I just had a beautiful baby boy. He is a month old. I like to leave the TV on even if he is sleeping so that I can stay awake. I was hoping that the noise would be good for him and that it would keep me awake while he sleeps.…

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How might kids experience the final Potter film?
How might kids experience the final Potter film? 150 150 Mediatrics

CMCH staff contributed the following post to Thriving, Children's Hospital Boston's pediatric health blog, about the final installment of Harry Potter.  Last night at midnight, the final installment of the Harry Potter movies opened in theaters, creating exhilaration and, maybe, a sense of loss for those who have grown up with Hogwarts on the brain…

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Is it OK that my toddler doesn’t like TV?
Is it OK that my toddler doesn’t like TV? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My two year old has no interest in watching television at all, and my friends think it’s weird. Should I be concerned?
A: No way! The scientific research we have to date supports your decision not to put her in front of an electronic screen until she turned two.

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Can I protect my kids’ media use at school? On the bus?
Can I protect my kids’ media use at school? On the bus? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: How do I protect my children against what I consider to be harmful media when they are at school or on the bus?
A: Don’t leave this issue to be regulated by the bus driver, the other riders, or the school. Inform and empower your child to make sound media decisions for him or herself.

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Are 3D video games safe for kids’ vision?
Are 3D video games safe for kids’ vision? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: Are there are any vision worries we should know about when it comes to kids watching TV or playing video games–especially 3D ones?
A: There’s little to worry about when it comes to how these 3D games affect young children’s eyesight.

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How can I tell which films are OK for my child?
How can I tell which films are OK for my child? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: Are two year olds too young to see films like Tangled? What should I consider when thinking about taking my kids to the movies?
A: If what you imagine her seeing, hearing, and understanding is what you want for her to experience, then take her and enjoy it together, keeping in mind these developmental considerations.

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The Mediatrician’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2011
The Mediatrician’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2011 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: What sort of media-related resolutions do you suggest for families?
A: Ones that are free, attainable, and fun to work toward! These 8 simple goals will help you tweak your family’s media use and enjoy the resulting time together.

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The Good News about Children and Media in 2010
The Good News about Children and Media in 2010 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: It seems like all we ever hear about are the negative effects of media. What research has been done on using media in positive ways?
A: Indeed, studies in the past year indicate just how positive media can be for children and families when it is used in a controlled way, paying particular attention to its content and the context in which it is used.

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