Choosing media for your child

As parents and carers, we know children learn from everything they experience in their daily life, including what they read, watch and listen to. They also learn from us, in how we talk about differences. When children learn about all the different ways of being in the world, it can help them to respect and accept others, as well as themselves.

When we talk about choosing media for your child, it’s important to consider how old they are. The general recommendations for screen time are:

  • For children aged 0-2 years: no screen time is recommended. Books are great for this age – it’s never too early to share books with your child.
  • For children aged 3-5 years: no more than one hour per day of screen time is recommended. Less is better! Again, books are great for this age group too.

What to think about when choosing books and shows

  • Does it include people with different body shapes/sizes, ages, backgrounds and/or abilities? This reflects the world around us and normalises that we are all different.
  • How does it talk about people’s differences? It’s important for children to learn that making fun of someone’s appearance or abilities is not OK. All bodies deserve respect.
  • How does it talk about food? Is it positive (or factual) or negative? Young children learn about food best by learning about where it comes from, how it is grown or eaten, what it looks, smells or tastes like, and its colours. Negative speak around food does not help children to learn about food and it doesn’t help to build a positive relationship with food. It is also important for children to learn that food does not make someone a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ person.
  • Does it include advertising? Try to limit the ads that your child sees, especially when they are young, as they are not old enough to understand. As they get older, you can help your child to question the ads they are seeing, so they have less of an impact on them.

Your role as a parent or carer

  • Notice: when reading or watching a show with your child, take the time to ask your child what they see (e.g. the images), or what they think about it.
  • Discuss: if you read or watch something that doesn’t show a variety of people, or doesn’t reflect your values, you can use it as a talking point with your child (in a way that is age appropriate).
  • Reflect: as your child gets older, you can encourage them to think critically about what they read and watch. This is a powerful skill for them to learn and take with them throughout their life.

More information

a child using a tablet