Experts Rip 'Sesame' TV Aimed at Tiniest Tots

[deadparrot]

How young is too young to park a baby in front of the TV set? The American Academy of Pediatrics's rule has been steadfast: No television under age 2.

Now the venerable educational organization that pioneered "Sesame Street" is lowering that age limit with a new DVD series, "Sesame Beginnings," which targets babies and toddlers from 6 months to 2 years. Due in stores April 4, the videos feature baby versions of "Sesame Street's" most beloved characters -- Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Prairie Dawn -- dancing and singing with their Muppet parents and other relatives.

"This could be the beginning of some beautiful friendships!" baby Elmo's dad says enthusiastically in one scene. But the product's launch has frayed some friendships and professional alliances among experts who monitor the impact of media on young minds.

"Essentially it is a betrayal of babies and families," says Harvard Medical School psychologist Susan Linn, founder of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. "There is no evidence that media is beneficial for babies, and they are starting to find evidence that it may be harmful. Until we know for sure, we shouldn't risk putting them in front of the television."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/20/AR2006032001801.html