How much TV should I allow my 4-year-old to watch?
– Sid

Television can be a source of learning and entertainment. However, studies have shown that too much TV can make kids more likely to be obese — and, depending on the content, more aggressive.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that older kids not watch more than 1–2 hours of TV or video per day, and that kids under age 2 not watch any television. They also recommend that the shows children watch be nonviolent and educational. Above all, TV shouldn't be a substitute for activities like playing, exercising, or reading.

For more information, check out these articles:
How TV Affects Your Child
Healthy Habits for TV, Video Games, and the Internet

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: February 2007
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD

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