Brain-Building Baby Videos Challenged
Monday May 8, 2006
A children's advocacy group filed a complaint last week with the Federal Trade Commission, saying that two popular educational video series for babies are being marketed without proof that they work to build little brains. The Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood asked the FTC to stop Baby Einstein and Brainy Baby, the most popular makers of educational baby videos, to stop claiming that the videos are beneficial without evidence to support that claim. The group also asked FTC to require baby video manufacturers to update ads and packaging for the videos to include the American Academy of Pediatrics warning against TV and video watching for babies under age two.
Dr. Alvin Poussaint, a Harvard Medical School psychiatrist and advocacy group member, told CNN.com that "these companies are exploiting parents' natural tendency to want what's best for their children, and their deceptive marketing may be putting babies at risk."
In the same CNN.com article, a representative from Brainy Baby said he felt that parents should be given permission to make an intelligent decision for themselves as to whether or not to use the videos with their baby, and that the AAP recommendation was "overreaching."
What do you think? When my daughter was younger, I often used a Baby Einstein or Brainy Baby video to entertain her while I finished a chore or fixed dinner. While the jury is still out on whether my child will become a genius thanks to the videos, I do know that she learns easily from videos, and I credit one of those educational videos with teaching her colors. If you'd like to give your opinion on this FTC request or on educational videos for babies, use the comments link below.
Dr. Alvin Poussaint, a Harvard Medical School psychiatrist and advocacy group member, told CNN.com that "these companies are exploiting parents' natural tendency to want what's best for their children, and their deceptive marketing may be putting babies at risk."
In the same CNN.com article, a representative from Brainy Baby said he felt that parents should be given permission to make an intelligent decision for themselves as to whether or not to use the videos with their baby, and that the AAP recommendation was "overreaching."
What do you think? When my daughter was younger, I often used a Baby Einstein or Brainy Baby video to entertain her while I finished a chore or fixed dinner. While the jury is still out on whether my child will become a genius thanks to the videos, I do know that she learns easily from videos, and I credit one of those educational videos with teaching her colors. If you'd like to give your opinion on this FTC request or on educational videos for babies, use the comments link below.
Comments
All things in moderation - that’s the saying. I have seen no adverse effects from watching Baby Einstein with my son and I certainly credit them with teaching him colours easily. I interacted with him as they suggest while watching the video, and limited his exposure. If a baby sits in a corner all day, would we not say it might cause his development to be impeded? The same applies with television/video. Moderation and parental involvement.