Television and Our Children

Our children are our world. We want to do what is best for them every chance we get. It's very hard in our ever changing world to understand how the increase in technology is affecting them. Most current parents grew up watching television. Allowing your children to watch Sponge Bob Square-pants while you finish up your application for a nursing scholarship is a harmless decision. The question is how long is too long for your children to be entertained by Nickolodeon or web browsing and what affects does television watching have them?

Now a days it is a common occurrence for a child to arrive home and sit on their coach watching show after show until dinner time. Most families will not eat a meal without the television on. Studies have suggested that children over three be allowed to watch no more than 3 hours of television per day. Children under two should be prohibited from watching. The average child watches an excess of four hours of programming per day. I know that I have been guilty of using the television as a baby sitter once or twice when I have house work or special projects that need to be attended to.  The occasional lean on technology is of minimal concern, but what are the long term affects of TV watching on young people?

Many different scientific studies have been done on the possible affects of excessive television watching. Children's programming has becoming increasing educational. This influx in beneficial shows has lowered our guards in regard to all television. Many children's programs still display violence and sexual behavior. Children mimic what they watch. Though there has been no definitive data, many scientists believe that television could contribute to ADD. Another concern that behavioral scientists  have expressed is the amount of commercials that kids watch. On average, children watch more than 20,000 thirty second commercials per year. Many of these commercials are for beer, cigarettes, and junk food. Children are highly susceptible to suggestion. The main physical affects of television are linked to inactivity. By watching shows children are remaining indoors instead of getting up and playing sports or exercising. Inactive children are more likely to snack while entertaining themselves. This trend could lead to childhood obesity.

I'm in no way saying that television is evil. I personally enjoy sitting down with my children and watching a movie, or watching them learn their ABC's with Sesame Street. What I am trying to say is that like anything else in their lives, television should be moderated. As parents, it's our job to monitor our children's viewing. It's not easy to change our habits, but it doesn't have to be negative. Try encouraging your child to find a hobby or sport. A hobby can be both intellectually stimulating and fun. If you would like more information on moderating your child's television viewing the following link is excellent: http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/managetv.htm.