Screen Time Guidelines, Messages on Gender in New Cartoon
We have a threenager in our house. Like most of you we struggle with the battle of TV exposure, and ipad use. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a new policy statement on this topic during the past winter/fall season because so many parents truly grapple with the issue of screen time. Busy Moms and Dads sometimes need a stretch of time for their child to sit still in order to complete tasks. Media is also a great way when used appropriately for kids to learn. I've found the TV or ipad useful when I am cooking, braiding my daughters hair, or we are out on long plane or road trips. The official AAP recommendation is that "parents prioritize creative, unplugged playtime for infants and toddlers. For children 2-5 years one hour per day of high quality screen time."
I applaud the AAP for acknowledging the large impact that digital media plays in our world and helping parents navigate this reality appropriately. There is always the balance between too much exposure, substituting media for social interaction, and creative play that parents must negotiate.
So what constitutes quality programming? The answer may be subjective. Programs that engage your child, that teach them math, phonics, mirror the values of sharing, and kindness, teamwork, leadership are all important concepts for children to learn.
Nick Jr. just launched a new series, Nella the Princess Knight. My daughter who is a balance between rough and tumble play, and girlie pink princess dresses loves it. Princess Nella embodies a little bit of everything for all types of girls. She's a princess who by definition is elegant and everything a stereotypical princess should be. However, she's also a compassionate leader, a good friend, and transforms into a knight when a problem arises in order to solve it. She is her very own super hero, and we love it!
Balanced images of girls in media are so important. I don't need to beat the drum about gender roles being a social construct and the media a powerful vehicle for subconsciously and purposely influencing girls. As mothers and parents we grew up in an era where what was reflected for girls was limited, many of us know the negative impact of media on our self image first hand. There is still a lot of work to be done as far as gender equity in the media but this show is truly a refreshing change.
Most women are a balance of many complex components. Finally there's a cartoon character that reflects a small portion of the true complexity of women for a child to understand. We aren't all damsel's in distress, and yet we don't all reject that notion either. There is a middle ground for many women. I consider this show to be quality program for young kids, both boys and girls, as it offers another way to look at gender. It is not a panacea, but I do give kudos to Nick Jr. for moving in the right direction.
image credit: originally posted on betc.org