Children Quote by Susan Jacoby
““How pathetic it is that such products now appeal to a huge market of people who do not understand that the way to introduce children to music is by playing good music, uninterrupted by video clowns, at home; the way to introduce poetry is by reciting or reading it at bedtime; and the way to instill an appreciation of beauty is not to bombard a toddler with screen images of Monet’s Giverny but to introduce her to the real sights and scents of a garden. It is a fine thing for tired parents to gain a quiet hour for themselves by mesmerizing small children with videos—who would be stuffy enough to suggest that the occasional hour in front of animals dancing to Tchaikovsky can do a baby any real harm?—but let us not delude ourselves that education is what is going on.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Assault on Childhood Culture”, 2015
Screen media replaces rich, sensory experiences, diminishing children's deep appreciation of art and nature.
In simple terms: Screen time reduces children's exposure to authentic art and nature.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize real-world experiences for children.
Themes
education
media influence
child development
Mood
thoughtful
protective
Type
advice
reflective
When to use this quote
- family outings
- reading bedtime stories
- music lessons
- museum visits
Key Concepts
sensory immersion
cultural transmission
digital distraction
Questions to Reflect On
- How can families balance screen use with real experiences?
- What alternatives enrich children's cultural growth?
A Different Perspective
Screen media can also offer educational value when used wisely.
