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Television exposure in early childhood and subsequent cognitive outcomes: Evidence from rural China

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  • Zhang, Lin
  • Xu, Wenli

Abstract

This study estimates the effect of television exposure in early childhood on subsequent cognitive outcomes using data from rural China. Exploiting the variations in the year of television access at the village level and children’s birth year, this study employs an extended two-way fixed effects (ETWFE) approach introduced by Wooldridge (2021). Baseline estimates, which are robust to staggered treatments, show that cognitive scores at ages 10–15 are significantly improved by full television exposure in early childhood (ages 0-5). Furthermore, there is suggestive evidence that this effect could be explained by the direct channel through which television enhances general knowledge level.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Lin & Xu, Wenli, 2025. "Television exposure in early childhood and subsequent cognitive outcomes: Evidence from rural China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:230:y:2025:i:c:s016726812400492x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106878
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zha, Fangjing & Zhou, Di, 2025. "The long-term effect of television on children's human capital development in China," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    2. Likun Mao & Sarah Grace See, 2025. "Early Exposure, ICT Use, and Teenage Well being Outcomes," CHILD Working Papers Series 121 JEL Classification: I, Centre for Household, Income, Labour and Demographic Economics (CHILD) - CCA.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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