Why do Steiner Schools discourage TV watching and other forms of electronic media?
The reasons for this have as much to do with the physical effects of the medium on the developing child as with the (to say the least) questionable content of much of the programming. Electronic media are believed by Steiner teachers and supported in current research to hamper seriously the development of the child’s imagination – a faculty which is central to the healthy development of the individual. Computer use by young children is also discouraged. The presentation of many rapidly changing images on screen can affect the child’s ability to concentrate. Most importantly, when a child is spending hours sitting in front of a screen, he or she is not being active, playing, engaging with others or exploring the world for themselves.
