Dionne Rose, Staff ReporterMORE THAN 80 per cent of pre-school children were engaged in television viewingwhile a low percentage was reading.
These findings are contained in a study conducted by Dr. Maureen Samms-Vaughan, senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
The study confirmed earlier perceptions that Jamaican children were not being exposed to books at an early age.
SUPERVISED LEISURE ACTIVITIES
"Most Jamaican children watched television approximately half attended supervised leisure activities but few children read books consistently," she said.
"Only about half of children have read or looked at one to two books in the previous month," said Dr. Samms-Vaughan.
The findings were documented in a study entitled: 'Profiles: The Jamaica Pre-School Child, the Status of Early Childhood Development in Jamaica', which was launched on Thursday at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in New Kingston.
Dr. Samms-Vaughan noted that children who were exposed early to books had improved school outcomes and behaviour strengthens.
She said these children tend to be more vocal and tend to challenge parents more.
BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS
Meanwhile, she said that excessive TV viewing, especially action programmes led to early behaviour problems.
"Children should be encouraged to watch less television and participate in more supervised leisure activities," she said.
She said the church, which many of these children attend, could be used as the focus of activities outside the schools and reading clubs could be a special focus.
Dr. Samms-Vaughan said the Government could also implement the 'reach out and read' programme where children who attend clinics could borrow books to encourage early exposure to books at a young age.
The study was conducted in six parishes St. Catherine, Claren-don, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, St. James and St. Mary with a sample of 245 children between five and six years old.
