IK D S VT

It’s long been portrayed as the evil electronic monster turning Britain’s babies, toddlers and children into square-eyed layabouts. But could kids’ TV be good for them?

“There’s no doubt TV gives children a broader, more vivid imagination,” reveals relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam. “It helps with creative play and can be an incredible learning resource.”

Pre-school channels are designed to encourage learning. Playhouse Disney shows such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse teach counting and problem solving, while Handy Manny explores language and cultural differences.

“My little boy learnt everything from pre-school TV,” says mum-of-two Vic Pires, a legal PA from Wimbledon. “I could see him taking everything in from a very early age. He’s a very bright boy.”

Studies show the effects of this early learning are far-reaching. Twenty-five years after Sesame Street first aired, researchers

found that many early viewers achieved higher grades in English, maths and science at school.

“This suggests those who watch educational shows enter school with skills that make them more motivated learners,” the study said.

WHAT ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT?Many parents worry about shows which aren’t designed to be educational – especially cartoons. But even these treats can be used to encourage learning in older kids.

“My seven-year-old is obsessed with Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” says mum-of-two Lorraine Parsons, 32, from Hailsham, East Sussex. “He asked me to buy him Star Wars books. Now he wants to read every day, though he hated it before.”

And these shows have other benefits too. “Television helps children bond,” says Susan. “If a child doesn't have ‘playground moments’ where they talk and

recreate parts of a popular TV programme, they'll feel alienated. Playing at shows such as Power Rangers: RPM on Disney XD helps creative, and social, development. They’ll also have a more realistic representation about the results of actions. They'll see baddies get punished and goodies rewarded, so they learn a moral framework and consequences.”

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?Of course, parents and experts agree television shouldn't be a babysitter. “It’s all about balance,” says Susan. “Babies will respond better to a real face than an image, so they’ll find a parent more interesting than a programme. And you shouldn’t let a child sit in front of the TV just because you’re too busy for them.

Kids TV on Sky

52 53TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST KIDS’ TV

Child psychologist Dr Richard Woolfson, who worked on the creation of the Baby First channel, says, “The key to good and steady development in children is a wide variety of activities, and television can be included in this. However, the way in which TV is used is key to making it a beneficial pastime”

1 Make it age-appropriate. Shows will have been developed

specifically for your child’s learning level and needs. Letting them sit and watch Coronation Street might

not do them any harm, but it certainly won’t do them much good educationally.

2 Make it inspirational and educational. That way they

will know more than they did before, whether it be colours, languages or animals.

3Make it an opportunity to interact. Sit down with your

child when you can and share the experience. Ask them questions about what they are seeing and hearing on the screen.

4Make it a part of a range of activities. Television should

form a part of a diet of stimulation for a child. Vary your child’s pastimes so they are getting a good range of things to do.

5Be prepared to use the off button! Watch for warning

signs: glassy eyes, lethargy, boredom and a lack of motivation. If a child cannot think of other ways to amuse theselves, they’re likely to be watching too much TV.

“If a child is happy and confident, TV can be good for them”PsychologistSusan Quilliam

Cartoon Network (601) Greta place for cartoon lovers!

CN Too (602) A mixture of original and modern animation.

Boomerang (603) Classic comical cartoons for the kids.

Nickelodeon (604) jam-packed with loads of shows for the kids and teens.

Nicktoons (606) New and classic cartoons for the youngsters.

Disney XD (607) Action adventure for boys.

Disney Channel (609) Disney magic, action and adventure for the whole family.

Playhouse Disney (611) Educational fun for infants.

CBBC Channel (613) Action-packed fun for children.

CBeebies (614) Exciting journeys for the younger children.

Nick Jr (615) Full of non-stop laughter for the juniors.

POP (616) Mix of cartoons and children’s favourite pop videos.

Tiny Pop (617) Entertainment and music for the little ones.

Cartoonito (619) Miniature versions of the kids favourite cartoon characters.

Nick Jr 2 (620) Double the fun for the little ones.

CITV (621) Humorous cartoons and shows for children.

Disney Cinemagic (631 HD /622) Disney movies and series.

Baby TV (623) Laughter and fun for babies and toddlers.

Pop Girl (626) Fun and bright entertainment.

Kix! (621) Cartoons, sports and music just for boys.

THE DEBATE

Kids and TV: the debateHow much telly should kids watch, which shows are appropriate and is TV good for them? As the school holidays approach, journalist and mum-of-two Karen Pasquali Jones investigates…

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