San Francisco -- Today, Common Sense Media CEO James Steyer issued the following statement regarding the AAP's updated screen-time recommendations for kids under 2:

"The latest AAP research validates what parents have been hearing for many years -- for kids under 2, there is no educational benefit to watching television, and, in fact, it could actually delay language development. Reading remains the best path to developing language skills. This is extremely important for parents to hear, particularly in today's 24/7 marketing environment, where many companies make unproven claims about their products' educational value. The only proven research finds that infants still develop best with parent or caregiver interaction and with unstructured play. Parents also have to be aware of the impact of the mediums that were not a part of the AAP study, like mobile games and apps. With all of the media in our kids' lives today, it's more important than ever for us to look closely at the impact it's having on kids' social, emotional, and cognitive development so that parents can make smart decisions about their kids' media use." 

About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsense.org.

Press Contacts
Marisa Connolly
mconnolly@commonsense.org
415-553-6703

Julia Plonowski
jplonowski@commonsense.org
415-553-6728

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