Children & TV

Watching television has become an activity that fills a significant amount of time in our children's lives. As parents, how do we know that all this television watching isn't negatively affecting our children. Does television offer any positive results for our children? Conversely, what are the dangers?

Children have the opportunity to see many things on television including:

  • Violence: Violent acts on television include rapes, murders, beatings, robberies and other offenses depicted on news, prime-time shows, videos, cartoons and other children's shows. Some studies show children who watch violent programming are more likely to be aggressive.
  • Sex: Sex on television is often seen as casual, indifferent, and exploitative. Shows with high sexual content include soap operas, prime-time shows, and music videos. Stars seldom talk about contraceptives, and children can receive inaccurate information about sex.
  • Alcohol: Children see advertisements for alcohol daily. These ads show favorite sport or music stars saying to children it is acceptable to drink alcohol, or link alcohol with social acceptance.

How to Promote Good Television Habits

Not all television viewing is bad. Many excellent programs exist to promote learning and offer useful information for children. Parents can help children to gain knowledge from television by:

  1. Discuss sex and violence with your child if this must be part of programs your child views
  2. Encourage your child to watch programs which portray good role models
  3. Don't rely on television as a babysitter
  4. Limit television viewing to less than 2 hours per day
  5. Decide which programs will be viewed and make a schedule for your child
  6. Parents should limit their television viewing as an example for their child
  7. Preview your child's programming whenever possible
  8. Watch television with your child

Other Negative Effects:

Children who watch a lot of television often get little exercise and may become obese. These children spend less time physically playing than they do watching the television. Ads for high-calorie, high-fat foods that can promote bad eating habits are also popular during children's programs. Many children snack while watching television. Some loose track of how many snacks they have eaten and overeat, which can also lead to obesity.

Children who watch a lot of television are less original and resourceful. They are content to allow the television entertain them, rather than entertaining themselves. They also spend less time playing with friends or family.