Is
television bad for children?
Many professionals believe this to be true. According
to research they have found that children who watch television have a
higher risk of developing poor social skills and can become less-than-average
students. This may in fact be true, but what research does not show is
exactly how much television a child has to watch before they are placed
in this category.
Here
are three simple ways to make TV watching fun and educational:
- Be choosy about what
shows the child will be watching.
Take the time to review each film to make sure
that it is appropriate for the child’s age and stage
of development. Also make sure to turn off the television once
the show has ended.
- Watch TV with the Child.
Children often have questions about what they
see on television. It is important for adults to watch with
them to answer those questions and to clear up any confusion
the child might have. It is also a good idea to ask the child
questions about the characters or plot once the show is over.
- Limit the amount of time.
Make sure to set up specific times during the
day to watch television and try to stick to it. Darlyne Haertlein,
the Outreach/Viewers Serviced Supervisor for Milwaukee Public
Television says, “Television is something for us to use
wisely, and in moderation, not as a babysitter for children,
but as a tool to teach them.”
TV is not all bad, especially when it’s educational and
enhances a child’s development. Your public library can provide you
with various tools such as “Books
on Video. "
For more
information on children and television,
visit pbs.org or
contact your local library. |
