Should tots under the age of 2 be subjected to television? That's the crux of the controversy surrounding the new "Sesame Street" DVDs being pitched to parents to help them interact with their toddlers.
On one side of the debate is the American Academy of Pediatrics, which advises against babies watching television. Joining that group is the Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood, an organization that claims the videos promote devotion to characters that are later used in other forums to pitch products.
On the Sesame side of the street is Zero Three, a highly regarded child advocacy group that helped create the "Sesame Beginnings" DVDs. They see no problems. And, of course, the "Sesame Street" brand name itself. The Sesame folks say the videos are meant to be watched by children and parents together and offer new ways for tots and parents to bond, which in turn enhances the family.
Without seeing the videos, it's hard to judge the content. But observation teaches that most 2-year-olds are already getting a full dose of television fare — much of it inappropriate. And although the ideal would be for parents to read to their children, perhaps a video might serve as a trigger to get parents more involved.
Our point is, the "Sesame Street" videos may not be what the doctor ordered, but in absence of more information, let's not throw the baby out with the bath. The "Sesame Street" franchise has an admirable track record. Yes, they have courted controversy at times — usually by pushing a little too hard for progressive social engineering. But the Sesame people have proven to be an island of bliss in a raging sea of television baseness. For such reasons, the franchise should be given the benefit of the doubt until more is known.
It would be nice if parents didn't use videos as baby-sitters, but the trends of society and the hurly-burly nature of modern life have proven that's an ideal not many young parents can master. Given that, good wholesome videos that promote family togetherness and offer young children a sense of security and stability may be the best alternative in our less than perfect world.