Very young children's interactions with TV and computers are a mixed bag of opportunities and cautions, researchers say.
Meanwhile, teenagers' Internet use is said to have has changed so much that the myths of several years ago need to be debunked.
"Reaping the benefits of various media while avoiding pitfalls is no easy task," says Amy Sussman, program manager for the National Science Foundation, which funds the five-site Children's Digital Media Center.
"Different developmental stages call for different strategies," she said.
Scientists affiliated with five locations of the center reported the results of 14 research studies in special issues of The American Behavioral Scientist and the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology.
Children use computers at very young ages, 21 percent begin at 2 years and younger, the report said. Teens' Internet use focuses on identity, sexuality, social attitudes and values.
Parents and policymakers need to inform their decisions about whether and how to guide their children's media use through scientific knowledge.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
