How Does Television Affect Children?

According to experts, television has a significant impact especially on children aged 0–3. This period is a critical stage in which psychosocial and psychomotor characteristics that will be used throughout life are acquired. The negative effects of television at an early age may reflect on the child’s entire life.

Effects on the 0–3 Age Group
During this period, television can be a source of serious problems when combined with some family and social factors. Parents who work, household chores, or the need to care for other siblings may prevent spending enough time with the child, which worsens the situation.

• Emotional satisfaction forms the foundation of a strong psychological structure.

• Spending time with the child facilitates socialization and communication.

• Through attachment, the child recognizes the environment and develops secure relationships.

Really Engage With the Child
For development between 0–3 years, physical contact and emotional care are very important.

• Stroking, hugging, talking to the baby, and making them feel loved provide a sense of security.

• Real interaction during this period greatly contributes to social development.

Be Active and Loving

• A child cannot receive emotional and social stimuli from a lifeless screen.

• The non-interactive structure of television may cause developmental deficiencies.

• Children complete their psychosocial development through real, reciprocal relationships.

Children Aged 4–7 and TV
At this age, language and motor development progress rapidly. However, excessive use of television may have negative consequences.

• Deficiencies may appear in language and social development.

• Children perceive what they see concretely and may reflect it incorrectly in real life.

• Violent cartoons may increase a subconscious tendency towards violence.

Children Aged 7–12
At this stage, children begin to think abstractly.

• When used for educational purposes, TV can make positive contributions.

• However, violent programs may still have harmful effects.

• Viewing time should be balanced with social activities and school success.

TV Prevents Socialization

• Excessive television viewing negatively affects social development and language skills.

• Violent programs may cause trauma.

• Content should be carefully selected to protect mental health.

Symptoms in Children Who Watch Too Much TV
Children who watch television excessively may develop various negative behaviors:

• Lack of interaction and no eye contact

• Difficulty in social relationships

• Not speaking or inability to form sentences

• Behaviors such as spinning around themselves

• Lack of emotional response and social inadequacy

Therefore, parents should definitely limit their children’s screen time and carefully select the content.