No they can't. Not when they are young. The young child really does believe in Santa Claus. Only with age comes the understanding of what is real and what is not real. Unrestricted TV viewing is doing great damage to our very young children.
Children can learn from television.
They should not be categorically refused access to information simply because they are young. Serving young children with quality programs must be part of each local broadcaster's license requirement. Mothers shouldn't be using TV as a baby-sitter. The mother who feels that her child is safer watching TV than off the street ought to be right. There are times when every parent needs a break and ought to be able to feel that their children are secure in their own home.