Effects of Media on Children
Dimitri Christakis, MD, MPH
Director, Center for Child Health, Development and Health Care, Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute
Professor of Pediatrics, UW School of Medicine
Author, researcher, pediatrician and internationally known expert on media and its effects on childhood development and behavior, Dr. Christakis has become a go-to expert for national major media outlets about television and how various media and play affects children's behavior, learning, development and language acquisition. The Center for Child Health, Development and Health Care, which he directs for Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute, is devoted to improving the medical, social, cognitive and psychological outcomes of children in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, clinics and when hospitalized. Using state-of-the-art epidemiological techniques, the center seeks to identify problems and risks for children, and tests strategies to help children reach their intellectual, physical and emotional potential. Center faculty under his direction are also engaged in research to ensure that health care is the highest quality. Dr. Christakis' past media interviews include CNN, NPR, Today Show, CBS News, ABC News, NBC News and more. He has written over 100 original research articles, a textbook on pediatrics, and co-authored The Elephant in the Living Room: Make Television Work For Your Kids.
Board Certified: Pediatrics
Medical School: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
Residency: University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
Other Languages: Greek
Relevant press releases:
- Watching Violent TV at Pre-School Age Linked to Aggression in Young Boys - 11/5/07
- Playing with Blocks May Improve Language Development in Toddlers, New Study Finds - 10/1/07
- New Study Finds Baby DVDs and Videos May Hinder Infant Language Development - 8/7/2007
Recent interviews/coverage:
- Playing with Blocks May Improve Language Development in Toddlers, New Study Finds - NPR, 8/7/07
- Study: Violence on TV affecting young boys - KING-TV, 11/5/07
To schedule an interview with Dr. Christakis, please contact the Public Relations department.