CHILDREN AND TELEVISION

By: Gary Weinberger, M.D.

Children are exposed to an increasing volume and variety of television programming.  While television offers some positive and educational lessons, many more negative messages reach children while watching the set.

The average child watches three hours of television per day.  In addition, each child may spend even more time watching videos or playing video games.  Recent studies show that 32% of two- to seven-year-olds and 65% of eight- to eighteen-year-olds have television sets in their bedrooms.

Younger children are especially at risk from negative messages on the television.  They often cannot discriminate between reality and imagination.  The evening news alone may frighten some children. 

Research shows that the adverse effects of television include:  violent behavior, poor academic performance, low self-image, obesity, substance abuse, and early experimentation with sexuality.

Parents can help children to manage the oppressive nature of television by following these suggestions of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

--Limit a child’s time in front of the television to one or two hours per day (quality programming only).

--Discourage television viewing  for children less than two years of age.

--Remove televisions from children’s bedrooms.

--Monitor the programs children view.

--Use controversial programs as an educational tool for instilling morality in children.

--Encourage alternative activities for occupying time.

Today’s society offers new and exciting opportunities for children and adolescents.  As a result, today’s
parents must become more active in managing their child’s growth and development—including what they
learn from television.