In past years, media and technology use has steadily gained ground and, along with the Internet, TV is still everyone's favorite. Nowadays, it seems that it has become an almost mandatory item in most homes around the world and Costa Rica is no exception. Food and cooking shows in the morning, the news at noon, the afternoon soap opera and the nightly reality show have turned into daily rituals. And in the middle of it all children, no matter how young, are exposed at increasingly younger ages to this device, developing strong dependence ties to it.

TV is commonly used as a nanny, a substitute for parents or as a way of entertaining children at home. For many people it is quite convenient to leave their kids in front of the TV set while doing housework, while working or simply when they need to take a break. However, what is the impact of this behavior on their children's health, as well as on their neurological and social development?

In response to growing scientific evidence and the rapid increase in the number of TV shows, cartoons and DVDs that are targeted at children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a statement at the end of October in which it warned parents of the possible effects that the exposure and use of electronic devices might have in children under 2. Although most parents consider educational television an important tool for their child's development, the AAP claims otherwise: for this age group, television can never be considered educational. On the contrary, it may lead to developmental disorders, a delay in language skills and new vocabulary exposure and to a decreased interaction between parents and their children.

After age 2, when nearly one-third of kids already have a television in their room, over two hours of TV per day has been associated with obesity, sleep problems and impaired concentration. In addition, an excessive use of TV and other electronic devices alters family dynamics. When the TV is on, it becomes the center of attention, diminishing the interaction and communication that should occur among household members.

According to a survey conducted by UNIMER in September 2010 among 12 to 75-year old Costa Ricans, 87% reported watching TV during the daytime, 53% reported listening to the radio while only 34% reads newspapers. This shows how, just as in the rest of the world, the constant presence of mass media in our daily lives has turned into a major public health problem.