A study by scientists from the University of Portsmouth showed that if children watch TV with their parents, it benefits their cognitive development. We are talking about the smallest babies under the age of two years.
British researchers, together with French colleagues, studied the influence of the so-called passive use of the screen on the development of the intelligence of a small child. They found that regardless of the shape of the screen (be it a TV or a smartphone with a tablet), viewing it is useful, but only depending on the conditions. Initially, scientists analyzed 478 studies that were published over the past 20 years.
Children shouldn't watch TV until the age of three
The findings from these studies clearly show that watching TV at an early age is detrimental to toddlers' speech and executive function development, as well as their play. But it turned out that when the content of what the child is watching is close to him in age, viewing will have a positive effect. Especially if it is designed to encourage interaction.
Russians practically do not use TV
Moreover, time at the TV screen is especially valuable for a child if there is an adult next to him, for example, dad or mom. In this case, the kids do not just passively look, but ask questions and communicate. This context plays an important role in determining the strength and nature of television's impact on children's cognitive development. Watching together also promotes a child's language development and provides a role model for children to shape behavior while watching TV. (READ MORE) 
University of Portsmouth
Health
one of the four universities south in the East of England, rated Gold in the Government Teacher Development Scheme