Television and Children
As children grow and develop, they can be easily influenced by what they see and hear. While television programs can be educational, many children are exposed to television that is inappropriate for them. TV programs can show children violent behavior or other alarming subject matte. TV may encourage poor eating habits with commercials for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. Excessive TV watching can take away time from reading, studying, learning activities, play, and/or exercise. Studies indicate that excessive viewing of violent activity on television leads to increased violent activity by children and adolescents When television shows alcohol and/or drug use, smoking, violence and sexual behavior before a child is emotionally ready to understand these issues, his/her adjustment may be adversely effected.
Parents can help decrease the potentially harmful effects of television watching by screening the type of programming and limiting the amount of time a child watches television. The following are suggestions for helping set good television viewing habits:
Choose programs for your child to watch. Always plan what your child will see on TV. Do not turn on the TV randomly. Give choices between two programs you think are appropriate for your child.
Turn to educational shows from the local Public Broadcasting Station (PBS), or from programming such as Discovery Channel, Learning Channel, or History Channel.
Watch TV with your child. Talk about what happened on the show. Talk about what was good or what was bad about the program. Talk about the difference between reality and make-believe.
Turn the TV off if the program is something you believe your child should not see.
Do not assume all cartoons are acceptable and appropriate, as many cartoons contain violence.
Many daytime programs (such as soap operas and talk shows) are not appropriate for children.
Be a good example to your child by not watching too much television yourself. Be involved in other activities, especially reading. Read to your child.
Don't use the TV as the child's "babysitter."
Encourage play and exercise for your child. Plan other fun activities for your child, so he/she has choices instead of TV.
Limit using TV as a reward for good behavior. Try a trip to the park, a festival, playground, or a visit to a relatives/friends house instead.
Do not watch TV during meal times.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 7/08
