Turning off the TV
Now I like to consider myself a realist and every parent (including myself) can use a few moments during the day where there is some peace and quiet (which television may often provide), but I certainly see some disturbing trends in respect to the "television" issue.
Recently, a teenage patient I care for shared with me that when he returned home from school he often spent 4 hours on the computer with homework not being the priority. Another parent of an 18 month old informed me her daughter spent 3 hours in front of the TV each morning (we didn't even get to what occurred the rest of the day). In light of these examples, I thought it might be a good idea to highlight some of the recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations in regard to television viewing:
1. Total children's media time (including TV, computer (not homework), video games, etc.) should be limited to no more than 1-2 hours/day. And this implies quality television, not "Sponge Bob".
2. No TVs in the children's bedrooms. I know a few 15 month old children who are quite adept in turning on the television, that even know a few buttons on the TV controller.
3. Discourage television viewing for children less than 2 years of age. We already know they know how to turn the TV on well before 2 years of age.
4. View television programs with children and discuss the content. This guideline only works with quality TV.
5. Use VDRs, DVDs, and DVRs to show or record higher-quality educational programming for children. All have made it easier to ensure that our children are watching higher quality TV.
6. Encourage alternative entertainment for children such as reading, athletics, hobbies, creative play. Summer is almost upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere, so let's get outside and break a sweat.
Now I realize these are only guidelines and it all comes down to a parenting choice, but in light of the current epidemic of childhood obesity and the increase in childhood violence these days, this certainly gives us all something to think about and hopefully an incentive to turn off the TV, and computer games, and video console games.
Dr. Jeremy
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6
Hazel, I would like to think that much of what I said is applicable to adults, as well. All the best.
By DrJeremy May 19, 2008 9:26pm
5
does any of that go for adults too? some times i find myself watching tv till i fall asleep .is that bad?
By hazel86 May 19, 2008 6:00pm
4
All great points made by everyone. One follow up to lcoulter in regard to sitting around and eating...I'm more concerned with eating, sitting around and watching TV. Often, these will go hand-in-hand.
By DrJeremy May 16, 2008 5:23pm
3
my grandchildren are addicted to cartoon channels....if i allow it they would watch these screaming violent disrespectful cartoons for hours on end....it is hard to get them into anything else and they are always asking for the tv....now i tell them they can only watch one cartoon and turn the volume way down so they have to really work at listening....i refuse to let them watch certain cartoons ....instead i find something good on the history channel or the animal channel....but i have noticed that in the last two years the history channel seems preoccupied with war and the glorification of america's involvement in war...rehashing and idealizing ww2 and are other accounts of aggression.....what use to be my favorite channel for interesting documentaries has devolved to war mongering and glorification of war and propaganda of how america is drawn into these combats due to our good hearted intentions to protect our ideology and freedom for all nation....our interpurtation of freedom of course....so there is little on tv to watch with my grandchildren.....i encourage them to go outside and play but i must check on them constantly so they dont wander off....i worry about that constantly....but i don't want them just sitting around and eating...
By lc9 May 15, 2008 12:39pm
2
As a mother of four children we learned many years ago that TV and video games have no place in the school week. Our children now brag to their friends that they have such good grades because we don't have games or TV during school days. On the weekends and holidays as long as everybodies homework and chores are done we let them veg out a decent amount. They find it more rewarding this way and every one of their teachers has thanked us for these rules.
One of the best solutions we found this last long, hard winter is the new Nintendo Wii. There are a great deal of games they have to get up to play and games that are actually educational!!! If you can find one of these suckers we feel it has earned it's $250 price tag at least 100 times over in the year we've owed it.
By BuxomBrunette May 15, 2008 9:30am
1
Fantastic topic Dr J!
AS a mum of twins i find it too easy to lean on Aunty TV to watch the kids while i get my brekky or have a shower....but i have learnt after plopping Tom and Lily down in front of Teenage Muntant Ninja turtles while i hung out the washing... that Aunty Tv has introduced them to the world of kicking and hitting...so no more Aunty TV!
However i can not give up My Elmo time he is far too cute LOL!
I have actually been getting Aerobics DVDs as i have to move some naughty easter kgs/lbs, but the kids have picked up on the dance moves (even though lily has to bum shuffle cause of her leg cast) and they really get into it and can even do the counting..Go Denise Richards teeheehee!...so if anybody invents a great fitness DVD for kids they will make a fortune!
thanks for your advice Dr J...
xoxShelly and the kidsxox
By mumofthree May 15, 2008 6:55am