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The TELEVISION DILEMMA
The issue of television is a major one for many parents, especially where learning concerns are involved. A good number of them refuse to have their children sit before the TV for even short periods, concerned as they are with radiation, destroying their children's eyesight or interfering with the normal process of learning.
Other parents are unsure about the issue and let their children watch for a short time each day, and only if the material has been approved by them. Others hardly give the idea any thought, feeling that since TV is so much a part of modern life, one has to take it as essential in day to day existence.
There is a great amount of material written about the television issue, many based on actual researches done by reputable centers. Depending on which side of the line one makes his stand, one can actually cite one or several of these studies as evidence for that opinion.
I found many of these articles on the web, and I will try to sort out what is there so far.
An article from the American Academy of Pediatrics appears to say it all. It summarizes the effects television may have on children, including learning, and suggests ways parents can help children develop positive viewing habits. The United States' Children's Television Act of 1990 sets guidelines for the amount of advertising on days when children are expected to watch more TV and requires at least three hours of educational and informational shows per week.
The same article details the provisions of the 1996 legislation that gave parents the right to control what their children see on TV by setting up TV Parental Guideline ratings. Blocking of inappropriate programs can be done with the use of a computer device called a v-chip.
Detroit Public TV is only one of several organizations providing free educational programs to the public. They provide a full day of non-violent, commercial-free, educational programming to all families with access to television. They advocate parents' taking responsibility for supervision and guidance of children's TV viewing, even providing a printout of tips for parents on their website.
A research article on television and the socialization of young children comes from the University of Kansas and is worth reading even though it is rather long. It offers a comprehensive discussion of how children's viewing habits develop and underscores the responsibility of both families and broadcast stations in shaping choices.
Another interesting article underscores the idea that infants and toddlers should not watch television but play instead to prepare for later learning.
Learning Partners suggests that TV can be used for learning and gives details on how one should regulate its use as well using it for specific things like learning math.
Parents should talk with their children about what they see on TV. One site suggests ways of talking about the news with their child.
Another article summarizes research showing that television can enhance children's intellectual development.
A parent may need more guidelines about watching TV, but a safe rule is that no more than two hours of watching should be allowed young children, and parents should be around or should deputize other adults if they are not, to enforce this rule as well as discuss what the children see on the tube. Alternatives for TV should be provided because children need to play or be entertained by other things as they learn about life and the world
Many people think that TV is bad for learning and want us to have as little of it as possible. Indeed, one must remember that a very young child who is allowed to watch it for long periods may think that that is his reality. ( Adults may even have the same problem!) Socialization may be compromised and effective learning impeded. Less TV and more reading could be the answer..
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