For many families, TV has become an important part of the life of children over 2-3 years old.
Watching TV without restraint will undoubtedly have adverse effects on children and the whole family. However, if parents are good at guiding their children to obtain the positive influence of TV and minimize the negative influence, we can still enjoy many benefits brought to us by scientific and technological progress and cultural undertakings.
Let’s first look at the attitude of professional organizations towards [children watching TV]:
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend children under 2 to watch TV. Children over 2 years old should not watch TV for more than 2 hours a day. This time includes not only TV, but also video media such as videos, computer games and the Internet.
Should children watch TV or not?
Parents should adopt a wise attitude towards their children watching TV:
1. Specify the screen time for children;
2. Choose those excellent programs with your children and make plans to watch TV every week.
3. Turn off the TV as soon as the program is over;
4. Don’t let TV become a nanny;
5. Don’t put TV sets, game consoles and computers in children’s bedrooms, but in places where you can participate and supervise.
6. Watch TV with your child and tell him about advertising and business.
In fact, guiding children’s interest is the best way to prevent TA from indulging in TV and computers.
Parents should set an example and limit their screen time. Invite him to join your activities, such as reading, playing chess, outdoor activities, visiting relatives and friends, etc. Praise him when he does not rely on TV or computer for entertainment.
Don’t use [watching TV] as a reward or restricting watching TV as a punishment, because it will make TV more attractive to children.
If the child uses the computer, put it in the living room or other public areas, and make clear regulations for the child to surf the Internet. For example, the child can surf the Internet only when you are in front of the computer with the child or when you can supervise the ta nearby. Set a daily or weekly time limit for surfing the Internet and strictly implement it; Even if the child is still very young, he must tell TA not to reveal his name, age or other personal information online.
May there be what problems if children are allowed to watch TV?
1. Social violence and advertising
Although television is not the only cause of social violence, However, violence on TV has a significant impact on children’s behavior. It has also led to an increase in the frequency of violent conflict resolution. Some TV programs distort drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex and other issues. Advertisements may also sell inappropriate products to children. Therefore, parents should watch TV with their children, monitor the programs they watch, and help them learn to distinguish right from wrong from TV programs.
2. Childhood obesity
Children who watch more TV are more likely to get fat than children who watch less TV and love sports, because their playing time, which could have consumed more calories, is occupied by TV. Moreover, food advertisements targeting children will induce these children to eat [junk food] with higher calories. Watching TV is passive, and the longer children stay in front of TV, the less time they will have for other valuable activities.
Summary
Our comprehensive proposals are:
- Parents should understand the media their children come into contact with. Set time limits; Watch and listen to programs with children. Be ready to comment on the content at any time, including negative descriptions, images, music lyrics… Having media literacy enables families and children to have autonomy, enjoy the benefits brought by the media and be able to analyze, understand and resist the adverse effects of the media from a more appropriate perspective.
Responsible Editor: Ding Ruoshui