Q: My fourteen-year-old wants to watch the new season of 13 Reasons Why. Although she read the book, I didn’t allow her to watch the first season, given the controversy surrounding its depiction of suicide. I’m thinking that it might be ok for her to watch now that she is in high school and because… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Ask the Mediatrician
Tagged: TV & Movies
Is it ok to read the Harry Potter books to my 10 and 7-year-old and watch the movies?
Q: I have been reading the Harry Potter series to my children ages 10 and 7. We’ve read the first and second book and watched the corresponding movies. Both my kids love the series and want to continue reading and watching. I’ve read a lot of varying opinions about the age-appropriateness of both the books… Read more »
I’m worried that my 6-year-old will be picked on for the kiddie TV shows he watches. What should I do?
Q: My 6-year-old-son loves to watch shows for younger kids, his favorite show is Paw Patrol which he will watch repeatedly. He has Global Development Delay, and may also have ADHD. I’ve spoken with his pediatrician about the shows he watches and she said that if he likes shows and toys geared towards younger children… Read more »
How will TV affect our 3-month-old?
Q: Our 3-month-old son stares at the TV intensely, like he knows what he’s watching. Are there any effects because he’s so young?
Does spending time in front of screens really raise kids’ blood pressure?
Q: I heard a report on the news that too much time in front of TV or computer screens can raise kids’ blood pressure. Is that just for more action-oriented shows and games? And is even a little screen time a problem for kids’ hearts?
The Mediatrician Asks YOU a Question!
Do your family’s media habits change as the kids head back to school? How are your habits different from those in the Summer? Do you purposely make an attempt to change things or do they just change on their own as a result of a more structured schedule?
How do I know when my child is ready for TV?
Q: I read your response about baby videos and learning, and I’m wondering — Rather than relying on age, is there some developmental signal that indicates a child can handle/process television and such?
Is it okay for my kids to fall asleep in front of the TV?
Q: My children like to watch TV before bed, and they often fall asleep while it’s still on. I have a feeling that that’s not good for them, but I’m not sure why. Can you offer any guidance?