Photo by roxeteer http://www.flickr.com/photos/roxeteer/3538785770/

We here at CultureMob are enthusiastic, to say the least, about movies and television. From the latest blockbusters and indie films to documentaries and recaps of our favorite TV shows, we’ve got you covered. We even let you know what films are so bad you would be much better off reading a book.

All that said, it’s impossible to disagree with the latest recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics that children under the age of 2 should not watch television.

A recommendation against television viewing for that age group was first made in 1999, but was lost in the proliferation of educational videos. According to a survey by the AAP, 90% of parents with children under the age of 2 allow their kids to “watch some form of electronic media.” Many believe that education shows and videos are “very important for healthy development.” Research now shows that children under 2 do not benefit from electronic media and only after that age do children begin to understand the “content and context” of videos, at which point they can be helpful, viewed in moderation.

The newest policy statement by the AAP discourages use of media and recommends more independent, hands-on play time. Children need to learn to investigate the world around them and develop motor skills.

It isn’t easy being the parent of an infant or toddler. Been there, done that. At one point I had two children under the age of 2 and caring for them and keeping them entertained was a full-time job. But it’s worth it to know that you’re raising well-adjusted children capable of tackling any task that comes their way because they have all of the physical, emotional and intellectual tools they need to do so.

And while it’s tempting to keep the TV on while you are trying to make it through the day, just to hear an adult voice or provide a moment of distraction now and then, it’s not a good idea. The AAP believes that “background media” is also detrimental. Dr. Ari Brown with the AAP, notes that, “In today’s ‘achievement culture,’ the best thing you can do for your young child is to give her a chance to have unstructured play—both with you and independently. Children need this in order to figure out how the world works.”

At the end of the day, however, keep in mind that we are not perfect and one set of rigid rules is not going to work for all of us. If, on occasion, you break down and load up a video, your child is not going to suffer or fall behind in development and you are not a terrible parent. Your context, in this case, is to keep media viewing to a minimum and give the back of your hand to guilt. TV on a daily basis is bad but once in a while isn’t going to hurt anyone, because you already spend loads of time playing with your little one. Right?