Module 2

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Optional Resources

The Impact of Television on Literacy

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting children’s use of TV, movies, and video and computer games to no more than 1 or 2 hours per day and states that children under the age of 2 should not watch any television, movies, or computer or video games. As well, the AAP links television viewing to such negative health effects as violent or aggressive behavior, substance abuse, sexual behavior, obesity, poor body image, and decreased school performance (AAP, 2001).

The Required Resources in this module present differing perspectives on children’s television usage with young children. After reviewing the articles, consider:

• Your personal perspective with regard to the role television and television viewing plays in the lives of young children
• The perspectives presented in the Learning Resources

By Day 7 of Week 4:

Post your thoughts with regard to:

• Whether you agree or disagree with the American Academy of Pediatrics and why or why not
• Whether children under the age of 2 should be allowed to watch television and view other media
• Whether television can be a tool for supporting literacy, and why or why not