Children and TV: How to Keep the Kids Safe

Are you a parent? Do you monitor what your children watch on TV? Are you even slightly aware of the content of those programs? It can be argued that excessive television view can have many results. It has been blamed for people becoming less aware of the plight of others. Other people claim that too much television creates a sense of paranoia. People begin to fear the world around them and thinking aggressive behavior it totally acceptable. Television programming isn’t the only cause of these issues, but when it is mixed with just the right personality, current life situation, or environment (just to name a few) that is when the red flags start popping up. These are effects found in adults, just imagine how it effects children.

Not all children who watch TV will show these side effects, but there is a real risk building in society today. What can we do to stop this phenomenon?

First, do not have the TV on all the time. I will be the first to say that I keep my television on for background noise. I don’t think it is the worst thing you can do. However, if the TV is on all the time, your child will think it is okay for TV to be a constant thing.

Another idea is to pick your TV time by programming. Instead of putting aside blacks of time as TV time, only have the set on when you know you have shows to watch. This helps you set limits for your children’s viewing habits. If you know exactly what your children are watching and at what times it is on, it is less likely they will run across an unapproved show. If an approved show isn’t on, the TV isn’t on. Open blocks of TV viewing leads to channel flipping and settling on shows that you may not really want your child to watch.