Daniel Tiger vs. Ms. Rachel: exploring video-based media with babies and toddlers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31iConf64187Keywords:
Video-based media, Low stimulation media, Media literacy, Babies and toddlers, ParentsAbstract
Introduction. Using video-based media (VBM)—television, movies, YouTube videos, etc—with children under age two remains a debated issue. While child development experts warn against it, some parents continue to use it with their babies and toddlers. This research endeavoured to provide initial insight into the usage of VBM with babies and toddlers, including why and how parents are using it and characteristics of the media being used.
Method. Qualitative data from two separate studies were collected through interviews, focus groups, and a daily texting protocol with twenty-two parents of young children, ages 0-30 months.
Analysis. A thematic approach was used to analyse the interview, focus group, and texting data. Both inductive and deductive approaches were used in coding the data.
Results. The research found that parents are using VBM with their babies and toddlers for a variety of reasons. They are mostly using child-focused media, comprising TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos, with over half of it consisting of low-stimulation media.
Conclusion(s). These initial findings provide a foundation and point to the need for more in-depth and expanded research that explores the role and impact of VBM, and particularly low-stimulation media (LSM), in babies’ and toddlers’ daily lives.
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