Features
Television and the Family
Jinny Hopp, Human Environmental Sciences Specialist in Jasper County, University of Missouri Extension
Family is the most important influence in a child's life, but television is not far behind. Depending on how it is used, television can have positive or negative effects on children. On the positive side, television can be informative, entertaining, and educational. However, studies have shown that heavy viewing is associated with less physical activity and viewing violent content may lead to more aggressive behavior. By knowing how television affects your children and by setting limits, you can help make your child's TV-watching experience not only enjoyable, but healthy too. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises us to consider the following:
Children in the US watch about 4 hours of TV every day.
Movies and video games add screen time. The screen keeps
your child busy, but playing, reading, and spending time
with friends and family are much healthier for children.
Children who watch too much television are more likely
to be overweight. They do not get the exercise they
need. Commercials for "junk" foods and drinks run during
children's programs. Offer healthy snacks. Explain that
the purpose of commercials is to make people want things
they may not need.
An average child will have seen about 8,000 murders on
TV by the time he finishes grade school. Children who
see violence on TV may not understand that real violence
hurts and kills people. Children learn that it is okay
to use force to handle aggression and settle
disagreements. It is best not to let your child watch
violent programs and cartoons.
Television exposes children to adult behaviors. Sexual
activity is shown as fun, normal, exciting, and without
any risks. TV programs and commercials often show people
who drink and smoke as healthy, energetic, sexy, and
successful. It is up to you to teach your child your
views about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use as well
as your expectations for their behavior.
Child TV watchers see more than 20,000 commercials each
year. Commercials are quick, fast-paced, and
entertaining. Your child can easily remember a song,
slogan, or catchy phrase. Ads may try to convince your
child that having a certain toy or eating a certain food
will make him happy or popular. Kids need to know that
ads try to convince people to buy things they may not
need.
Television affects how your child learns. High-quality,
nonviolent children's shows can have a positive effect
on learning. Studies show that preschool children who
watch educational TV programs do better on reading and
math tests than children who do not watch those
programs. When used carefully, television can be a
positive tool to help your child learn.
As a parent, you can help your child develop positive
viewing habits. Limit TV, movies, and video and computer
games to 1 or 2 hours per day. Do not combine TV and
homework. Use program guides and TV ratings to help you
and your child choose shows. Turn the TV on to watch the
program you chose and turn it off when the program is
over. Along with reading, playing and time with you, the
right mix of children's television can spur curiosity,
discovery and lots of fun.
Last Updated 09/24/2007
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