Watch this talk on YouTube: recording link 156

Based on 1999 research by the American Association of Pediatrics, both the World Health Organisation and our National Childbirth Trust advised: no TV before 18 months, and then no more than one hour a day. 

Seems a lot of parents – and grandparents – in the real world ignored this advice. Because 2005 research by the University of Sheffield found that 50% of British babies start watching TV at around three months.

Intrigued, our January speaker, Dr Cary Bazalgette, conducted extensive observational research and interviews with parents. She found babies’ comprehension of moving image media to be more complex than had generally been assumed - and that it could be interpreted more positively.

Cary’s findings will surely be greeted with a huge sigh of relief by anyone who has ever settled a toddler down with their favourite cartoon – while they cook, clean, plan, make a phone call or enjoy a quiet cup of tea. Whew!