TV vs. other screens and brain development?

[julieanne]

I've been trying to find out what the deal is with other screens and brain development. Whenever I see, screen time effects babies' developing brains, they are clearly talking about the nature of television programming, not the screen itself. When I see things talking about computer time, they are always talking about the time young children (not babies) spend using computers and how this takes away activity time and causes childhood obesity.

So what is not clear to me, is whether there is a problem with viewing static content on a computer screen either intentionally (like showing the baby/toddler pictures of himself) or incidentally (like reading mothering while the baby is winding down and listening to music on your lap). It seems like there shouldn't be a problem, but the way they get lumped together makes it hard to tell.

[smartair]

I believe you are correct. The static image would be the same. I believe the difference happens when using the tv or computer screen as a substitute for doing the real thing. As you probably know our brains create pathways when learning something new. If you are learning from a 2d image (computer/tv) rather than doing it 3d, real life, your brain is missing the opportunity to form those "extra" pathways you get to experience in 3d. Therefore when you learn from a 2d media, you will have less access to that information. Am I making sense??? This would hold true for any age. It drives me crazy that there are videos out there of children rolling a ball back and forth or reading a book.... JUST DO THE REAL THING WITH YOUR KID!!! Okay, starting to rant here.... A great book on how our brain works is called Smart Moves. It examins how or bodies are aids in learing, not just our brains.

[Arwyn]

I don't have any studies, but I'm also concerned about the screen (CRT or LDC) on developing eyes and brain, although much less so than what's on it. But I know screens affect my neurology, that is, give me migraines and produce some weird neurological effects if I stare them them, no matter what it is, for any length of time, and I can't help but think that it would have an adverse effect on the development of little ones' sight.

But that's a kind of minor issue to me compared to the main TV issue, and I'm OK with my 14mo banging away on the locked keyboard with the static screen, which is what we do when he sees us on the computer and must. have. his. turn!

[smartair]

Originally Posted by Arwyn

I don't have any studies, but I'm also concerned about the screen (CRT or LDC) on developing eyes and brain, although much less so than what's on it. But I know screens affect my neurology, that is, give me migraines and produce some weird neurological effects if I stare them them, no matter what it is, for any length of time, and I can't help but think that it would have an adverse effect on the development of little ones' sight.

Hmmmm something to think about. Thanks!