Square Eyes

If ourtoddlers had been outside playing in the 'fresh air', speaking wordsprecociously or giggling with delight at something 'real', we would havehappily celebrated this behaviour. But we weren't about to admit that ourchildren were excited about television. Being happy about our children watchingthe 'idiot box' was not something we could admit to.

Troubled bywhat her daughter was watching, and by how this made her feel as a parent,Emily Booker set out to learn more...
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If ourtoddlers had been outside playing in the 'fresh air', speaking wordsprecociously or giggling with delight at something 'real', we would havehappily celebrated this behaviour. But we weren't about to admit that ourchildren were excited about television. Being happy about our children watchingthe 'idiot box' was not something we could admit to.

Troubled bywhat her daughter was watching, and by how this made her feel as a parent,Emily Booker set out to learn more about children and television: listening notonly to scholars and experts in the field, but to children themselves. What shefound was that the 'problem' of children's addiction to screens is actually, inpart, a grown-ups' problem. Speaking to children about what they watch and whyreveals a steadily consistent response: they love to seek out programs that are'fun'. But their choices are often a source of anxiety for parents, and appearto provoke a need to censure and control the child's enjoyment. At a time whenchildren's lives are increasingly regulated, and the pressures of parenting arefelt ever more keenly, this important book teaches us much about the value of entertainment,not only for children but for adults. 

"If you've ever suffered from a throbbing guilt-gland whenyour kids are glued to the screen - here's your antidote." - Kathy Lette

"Ground-breaking research into the importance of screen time,and fun, for our over-regulated children. A compelling book." - Catharine Lumby