To what extent does watching television pose a threat to cognitive development in children?

Explain, using specific research examples to justify your answer.

What will be an ideal response?

The answer should first point out that much of the research conducted on this topic
reveals that television appears to exert few negative effects on children's cognitive development.
In support of this finding, the answer should provide specific examples of research aimed at
investigating the claims of critics that television viewing mesmerizes and overstimulates
children, that it minimizes their involvement in other activities that promote cognitive growth, or
that it reduces their reading achievement. The possibility that television viewing impairs the
reading skills of young children should be noted.