Our eldest daughter is 6 years old, and has been asking about having a TV in her room, because “all her friends have one” for ages now. We’ve had many a discussion of when should a child have a TV in their bedroom, but it’s never gotten any further…until the end of the summer holidays! I must say she did put up a really good case of why she would have one. I think we’ve got a future politician on our hands!
But what do you think? When should children have a TV in their bedroom?
Kids love watching TV. Both my girls are obsessed with cartoons like Bluey, Ricky Zoom, My Magic Pet Morphle, Peppa Pig and not forgetting Lucas the Spider! I think after a crazy day at school or if they are looking to chill out at the weekends, watching TV is relaxing for them!
Facts and Figures
I’ve been reading up on some facts and figures from reliant who have surveyed more than 600 parents asking them about their child’s TV tendencies. Here are some of the answers that I’ve found intriguing.
33% of parents who were asked at what age they gave their child a TV for their room said they were between the ages of 4 and 7. I’m a little shocked that some of the answers given were at 4 years old! That seems far too young for me. 21.6% of parents said from 7 to 11 years and surprisingly 19.1% said they haven’t given their child a TV for their room.
When did your child start asking for a TV in their room?
500 responders said their child wants a TV in their bedroom, but when did they start to ask?
- They haven’t yet – 6.1%
- 3 and under – 23.1%
- 4-7 years – Infant school age – 45.8%
- 7-11 years – junior school age – 17.5%
- 11+ high school age – 3.1%
45.8% of parents said that the age between 4 to 7 was when their child start asking for a TV, which is right for us as L is 6 years old. Has your child asked you yet? Do you have an answer in mind of what you would say to them?
TV and Communication for Children
If you are a regular reader of our blog or if you follow us on Instagram, you will know that our youngest daughter, Dottie is autistic. She is predominantly non-verbal, but over the past few months, especially since starting school, she is beginning to speak more phrases. Her SALT suggested letting her watch as many of her favourite shows as possible to help her learn to communicate.
She watches quite a few hours of TV a week which helps her to regulate herself after a noisy day at school as well as learn from her favourite shows. Watching age-appropriate TV Shows can help a child connect with their friends. I’ve seen Dottie watching her shows, especially Peppa Pig and then straight after going up to her sister and trying to get her to re-enact what she has just seen on the TV.
Our thoughts
At 4 years old Dottie isn’t ready for a TV in her room, she has higher care needs than a child of the same age, so we are happy for her to use the living room TV for her shows. But L at 6 years old is at an appropriate age we feel that will benefit from one in her own room. Also, I think there is only so much Peppa Pig she can stand watching with her sister!
Whatever you decide for your own child, always remember to do what’s right for you.
This post is in conjunction with Reliant Direct but all thoughts are my own.