The degree to which children are exposed and affected by exposure to the media varies, but few children are untouched by it. Children average 35 hours per week in front of a screen either watching TV and videos or playing video games. This exposure can create special needs which teachers, caregivers and parents need to understand in order to help. Children average 35 hours per week in front of a screen either watching TV and videos or playing video games. Classroom Concerns Across the country teachers and caregivers express concern about how the media, related toys and other products affect children in their classrooms.
Teachers report increased levels of aggression and more injuries.
The quality of play is less imaginative and often imitative rather than creative. Many children confuse fantasy with reality. Some children appear obsessed with specific action figures such as Star Wars or Power Rangers and are unable to focus on other activities. Young children struggle to understand what they see and incorporate it into their ideas and behavior. Many of the messages in the media can undermine their sense of safety and trust or create the impression that fighting or using weapons is normal and necessary.