Showing infinite wisdom beyond Americans, the French have banned French television programs designed for children under three-years-old. Unfortunately, young French children are still exposed to TV programs broadcast from foreign channels on cable, such BabyFirstTV, but now those channels must warn parents of the negative developmental effects of television watching. Such programing now issues the following warning to French parents,

“Watching television can slow the development of children under 3, even when it involves channels aimed specifically at them.”

The warning is based on a ruling by the High Audiovisual Council which states:

Television viewing hurts the development of children under 3 years old and poses a certain number of risks, encouraging passivity, slow language acquisition, over-excitedness, troubles with sleep and concentration as well as dependence on screens.

Personally, my children never showed an interest in TV until they were three-years-old, and even so, they would much rather play than sit idly by in front of the tube. I love it now that my seven-year-old calls TV “boring” and would much rather read a book. I’ve always believed that given the right environment, children know what is best for their own development. The world should take notice of France’s ban on television aimed at our youngest children consumers.

Via: Associated Press and Z Recs

Image: iandeth on Flickr under a Creative Commons License

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