Too Much TV
Children watch so much television today. They also play video games, watch movies and use computers much more than children did a few years ago. Too much screen time can interfere with activities such as being physically active, reading, doing homework, playing with friends, and spending time with family.
Here are three reasons why television can be bad for children.
What can parents do about television?
Here are three reasons why television can be bad for children.
- Children stop doing other more physical activities - Children who consistently spend more than 4 hours per day watching TV are more likely to be overweight. Gone are the days when children would play in the garden or in the park and now kids huddle around television screens taking little or no exercise daily.
- Children are exposed to violent and angry behavior - Kids who view violent acts are more likely to show aggressive behavior but also fear that the world is scary and that something bad will happen to them.
- Children see adverts for unsuitable products - Adverts are all over our lives -- from billboards, to the radio, magazines and newspapers. Adverts for sweets, fizzy drinks and fast food are constantly running between kids television shows and can trigger unhealthy eating habits among those children exposed. The more television watched, the more times children are going to see the adverts.
What can parents do about television?
- The best thing parents can do to prevent the problems associated with their children watching television is to limit access to it and keep a careful eye over what your child is watching.
- Allow TV for only an hour a day at the most and make sure you are present when they are watching it. This way you can keep track of the content not only of the programmes but also the adverts.
- Never let your children eat their dinner in front of the TV, and if possible always eat food at the table as a family.
- If you can, keep all televisions in family areas and most importantly don't allow a set in a child's bedroom.
- If your child is starting to show an interest in the television try and encourage them to do something else instead, such as drawing, painting, playing a board game or going outside.