Thanks to a potential class-action lawsuit threatened by the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood, if you purchased a Baby Einstein DVD or video between June 5, 2004 and Sept. 4, 2009, you are eligible to get your money back. Parent company Disney is offering a refund to consumers in the form of $15.99, one Baby Einstein CD or book of your choice or a coupon for 25% off the purchase of one Little Einsteins product at DisneyStore.com.
Since 2006, CCFC has filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission in regard to Baby Einstein and another company, Brainy Baby, saying that the two were making false claims that their videos and DVDs were educational. Both removed the word "educational" from their packaging, but last year the CCFC took it a step further, threatening a class-action lawsuit for "unfair and deceptive practices" unless Disney offered refunds to its consumers.
Baby Einstein has had a money-back guarantee in place for quite some time, but it was only good for 60 days from the date of purchase. The new offer is available until March 10, 2010.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under the age of 2.
My reaction to the story is that it is incredibly positive news in the world of children, parents, and media/technology, etc. It has huge implications for child development and family life and the evolving relationships of kids and families with media companies in popular culture. It is a BIG BIG story!. I am a child psychiatrist and expert in this field and in the process of publishing a book Kids, Parents, and Technology: An Instruction Manual for Young Families – ETA 1 month or so — I applaud those who fought so hard and Disney.
EITAN D SCHWARZ MD FAACAP DLFAPA
http://www.mydigitalfamly.org
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