“Medical evidence is growing that for young children, being exposed to TV, computers and DVDs, - irrespective of the quality of the program - has an impact on their health and development,” he said. He points to the Tellytubbies, the globally successful toddler TV series hailed for its innovation and educational value, but also the subject of several warning studies including one by two Harvard academics entitled “Say No To Tellytubbies”. “To me it’s an oxymoron”.Īccording to Sigman, who bases his assertions on studies published by medics from some of America’s leading universities as well as his own worldwide research, science now suggests the quality of television children watch is of little consequence. “The phrase ‘educational television’ was, of course, invented by people who make television,” he says. The BBC’s new show, “Kerwhizz”, which it describes as a “new breakthrough multi-platform entertainment format” aimed at 4- to 6-year-olds is a perfect example, says Sigman, of another common claim by television makers: Our programs are educational. The argument that children enjoy something or laugh at something is not the basis on which you decide what is good for them.” “But children will also smile if you give them cocaine. “They say they make children smile and laugh.” “Television-makers will always justify themselves by saying that children enjoy their programs,” Sigman told Reuters in an interview. LONDON (Reuters Life!) - He’s been characterized as the ultimate killjoy, the extremist fringe thinker who refuses to recognize the realities of modern life.īut for Dr Aric Sigman, an American psychologist living in Britain and the author of “Remotely controlled How Television is Damaging Our Lives”, the battle against what he calls the “recreational junk food” of TV is one well worth fighting.Īnd as the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) announced on Tuesday the launch of the nation’s first ever television quiz show for pre-school children, Sigman’s frustration with TV executives who claim to entertain and educate is growing.

Kerwhizz game