Here’s Why Parents Are Embracing the ‘Slow TV’ Movement
By Movieguide® Contributor
Many parents are putting their favorite childhood shows on for their kids, ditching newer content and embracing the “Slow TV” movement.
Slow TV rejects the overstimulating programs offered to children today and embraces calmer and simpler shows like LITTLE BEAR, BLUEY and IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE.
These kinds of shows are a good change of pace for youngsters, as the many of today’s fast-paced programs hinder brain development.
“It may lead to shorter attention spans, heightened irritability and impulsive behaviors as their brains struggle to adjust to less stimulating environments,” Dr. Zabina Bhasin, aka Dr. Zee, told GOOD MORNING AMERICA.
READ MORE: WHAT IS THE ‘SLOW TV’ MOVEMENT? EVERYTHING PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
The shows are meant to “hook young audiences with rapid scene changes, loud sound effects and fast-moving plots that keep children engaged.”
“This can contribute to heightened anxiety, difficulty with transitions and challenges in self-soothing when overstimulation isn’t present,” Dr. Zee explained.
TikTok content creator and mother Hazel Tsukano recommends low-stimulation shows to her followers because she has seen the effects of fast-paced TV on her own children.
“I noticed hyperactivity, crying, irrational behavior and even aggression,” she said. “It was interfering with other activities like sleep, physical activity and social interaction.”
Because of that, Tsukano “started looking for shows with lower noise levels, fewer scene changes and more classic, educational storytelling.”
Tsukano explained on Instagram, “Many Montessorians recommend remaining screen-free until the age of 3, or even as old as 6. This is because young children are in a stage of rapid brain development and they need to be using their hands and actively discovering and problem-solving.”
“However, the reality for many modern parents, especially those who work from home, can sometimes be quite challenging,” she added.
“In the end, the goal is to strike a balance that works for your family’s unique circumstances while keeping your child’s well-being and development in mind,” Tsukano encouraged.
Slower-paced TV shows “fosters a sense of safety and stability, which is crucial for emotional development and self-regulation,” Dr. Zee explained.
READ MORE: HOW TO HELP YOUR KIDS LIMIT THEIR SCREEN TIME
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