Kids & Watching TV

American kids watch an average of three to fours hours of television daily. Television can be a powerful influence in developing value systems and shaping behavior.

Unfortunately, much of today's television programming is violent. Hundreds of studies of the effects of TV violence on kids and teenagers have found that kids may:

· become "immune" or numb to the horror of violence
· gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems
· identify with certain characters, victims and/or victimizers
· imitate the violence they observe on television

Extensive viewing of television violence by kids causes greater aggressiveness. Sometimes, watching a single violent program can increase aggressiveness. Kids who view shows in which violence is very realistic, frequently repeated or unpunished, are more likely to imitate what they see. Kids with emotional, behavioral, learning or impulse control problems may be more easily influenced by TV violence. The impact of TV violence may be immediately evident in the youngster's behavior or may surface years later. Young people can even be affected when the family atmosphere shows no tendency toward violence.

While TV violence is not the only cause of aggressive or violent behavior, it is clearly a significant factor. Moms & dads can protect kids from excessive TV violence in the following ways:

· to offset peer pressure among friends and classmates, contact other moms & dads and agree to enforce similar rules about the length of time and type of program the kids may watch

· set limits on the amount of time they spend with the television; consider removing the TV set from the youngster's bedroom

· refuse to let the kids see shows known to be violent, and change the channel or turn off the TV set when offensive material comes on, with an explanation of what is wrong with the program

· point out that although the actor has not actually been hurt or killed, such violence in real life results in pain or death

· pay attention to the programs their kids are watching and watch some with them

· disapprove of the violent episodes in front of the kids, stressing the belief that such behavior is not the best way to resolve a problem

Moms & dads can also use these measures to prevent harmful effects from television in other areas such as racial or sexual stereotyping. The amount of time kids watch TV, regardless of content, should be moderated because it decreases time spent on more beneficial activities such as reading, playing with friends, and developing hobbies.

Time spent watching television takes away from important activities such as reading, school work, playing, exercise, family interaction, and social development. Kids also learn information from television that may be inappropriate or incorrect. They often can not tell the difference between the fantasy presented on television versus reality. They are influenced by the thousands of commercials seen each year, many of which are for alcohol, junk food, fast foods, and toys.

Kids who watch a lot of television are likely to:

· Be overweight
· Exercise less
· Have lower grades in school
· Read fewer books

Violence, sexuality, race and gender stereotypes, drug and alcohol abuse are common themes of television programs. Young kids are impressionable and may assume that what they see on television is typical, safe, and acceptable. As a result, television also exposes kids to behaviors and attitudes that may be overwhelming and difficult to understand.

Active parenting can ensure that kids have a positive experience with television. Moms & dads can help by:

· Placing limits on the amount of television viewing (per day and per week)
· Selecting developmentally appropriate shows
· Turning off shows you don't feel are appropriate for your youngster
· Turning off the TV during family meals and study time
· Viewing programs with your kids

In addition, moms & dads can help by doing the following: don't allow kids to watch long blocks of TV, but help them select individual programs. Choose shows that meet the developmental needs of your youngster. Kid's shows on public TV are appropriate, but soap operas, adult sitcoms, and adult talk shows are not. Set certain periods when the television will be off. Study times are for learning, not for sitting in front of the TV doing homework. Meal times are a good time for family members to talk with each other, not for watching television.

Encourage discussions with your kids about what they are seeing as you watch shows with them. Point out positive behavior, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others. While watching, make connections to history, books, places of interest, and personal events. Talk about your personal and family values as they relate to the show. Ask kids to compare what they are watching with real events. Talk about the realistic consequences of violence. Discuss the role of advertising and its influence on buying. Encourage your youngster to be involved in hobbies, sports, and peers. With proper guidance, your youngster can learn to use television in a healthy and positive way.

Online Parent Support