Television can be entertaining and educational, and can open up new worlds for kids, giving them a chance to travel the globe, learn about different cultures, and gain access to ideas they may never encounter in their own community. However, the reverse can also be true: Kids can learn things from TV that parents don’t want them to learn. TV can affect kids’ health, behavior and family life in a negative way.<\/p>\n
TV viewing among kids is at an eight-year high. On average children ages 2-5 spend 32 hours a week in front of a TV-watching television, DVD’s, DVR and videos and using a game console. Kids aged 6-11 spend about 28 hours a week in front of the TV. 71% of 8-18 year olds have a TV in their bedroom. Media technology now offers more ways to access TV content, such as the internet, cell phones and iPods. This has led to an increase in time spent viewing.<\/p>\n
If your child is typical, TV is playing a very big role in his\/her life. Following are some research findings to keep in mind as you decide what kind of role you want TV to play in your family:<\/p>\n
\u2022 It is probably replacing activities in your child’s life that you would rather have them do-things like playing with friends, being physically active, getting fresh air, reading, playing imaginatively, doing homework and doing chores.
\n\u2022 Kids who spend more time watching TV spend less time interacting with family members.
\n\u2022 Excessive TV viewing can contribute to poor grades, sleep problems, behavior problems, and obesity.
\n\u2022 Advertisers target kids, and on average, children see tens of thousands of TV commericals per year. This includes ads for unhealthy snacks and drinks.
\n\u2022 Kids see favorite characters smoking, drinking, and involved in sexual situations in the shows and movies they watch on TV.
\nHow can we limit the amount of time spent watching TV?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Make very specific rules about when children can and cannot watch television. For example, do not allow TV during meals, homework or when parents are not around.
\n\u2022 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend that parents limit their children’s viewing to one to two hours per day at most.
\n\u2022 An alternative is to limit TV to one hour on school nights and two to three hours a day on weekends.
\n\u2022 You may want to allow a little extra viewing time for special educational programs as a family.
\n\u2022 If your child is doing poorly in school limit TV time to half an hour each day, or entirely eliminate TV, except for limited time on the weekends.
\n\u2022 Make it a rule that children must finish homework and chores before watching television. If your child’s favorite show is on before the work can be done, then record the show to watch later.
\n\u2022 The best rule is no TV during the week, and limited weekend TV. This ensures that kids are not rushing to finish their homework so they can watch a favorite show. It also frees up more time for family interaction during the busy weekdays. For example, instead of parking the kids in front of the TV while you fix dinner have them help you get ready for dinner. Even young children can set the table or get ingredients out.<\/p>\n
How can we keep it from dominating our family life?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Keep the TV off during family mealtimes.
\n\u2022 Make conversation a priority in your home.
\n\u2022 Read to your children.
\n\u2022 Don’t use TV as a reward or punishment.
\n\u2022 Encourage active recreation.
\n\u2022 Don’t use the TV as a distraction or baby-sitter for preschool children.
\n\u2022 Get the TV sets out of your children’s bedrooms.<\/p>\n
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