Research that benefits childdren and families

 

Research that Benefits Children and Families

                  “In a recent study, Dr. Frederick Zimmerman and Dr. Dimitri Christakis, both of the University of Washington's Child Health Institute, say new research indicates that toddlers under the age of 3 should not be allowed to watch television at all. They also say that even for older children, the negative effects of too much television outweigh the benefits of shows like Sesame Street” (Mahan, 2005, Para 1).      


           A recent research study was conducted by individuals who are affiliated with the Australian Catholic University, and along with their “co- researchers,” the early childhood teachers “ECT’s,”  find out “How

do young children respond to the various elements and segments of Play School when viewed within a small group in a suburban preschool context?”   The “Play School” is a television program disseminated by The “Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)” (Harrison, 2011, p. 1).

        The subjects of the research were “preschool- age” children (Harrison, 2012, p. 1).  It has been proposed that by the time children reach between three to five years of age they are capable of knowing when adults are providing factual information versus make believe (Harrison 2012, p. 2).  According to Harrison (2012), “Richert, Robb and Smith (2011) argue that, given the high proportion of time now spent by young children watching television, this capacity is likely to extend to television programs and characters” (Harrison, 2012, p. 2). 

        According to Harrison (2012)Richert et al. (2011, p. 91) believe that children who can identify themselves with  certain characters such as  “Dora the Explorer and  those on Sesame Street,”  children who can associate themselves with familiar surroundings and or cultural situations appear to be more readily prepared for problem-solving situations (Harrison, 2012, p. 2).  

        The researchers, and the co- researchers (ECT’s) over a period of time observed and document how the children reacted to certain children orientated based programs (the programs were equal to programs such as” Dora the Explorer, and Sesame Street”).  “The results of the research indicate that Play School encourages the active engagement of young children in play and learning. The findings can be used to guide future program development” (Harrison, 2012, p. 5), although I do not believe television should take the place of the attention children need and are entitled from the caregiver, I do believe that television has its place, and if used in moderation will provide more positive  outcomes than negative ones.

 

 

 

References:

Harrington. C.,(2012). Watching the children watching Play School:
  Indicators of engagement, play and learning; 37(4) 1-8      Australian Catholic University

Mahan, C. (2005).  Scientists say no television for young children

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