As someone who works with children and teens, I am often asked about the effects of television on children. With the average U.S. family having their TV on for seven hours daily, I find this an interesting issue. Is there a right answer? No. Is there some information that parents can use to determine what is the right amount for their families? Yes. I look at it like informed consent. The more we know, the better decisions we can make about what to do and what is healthy for our families. One thing to consider is difference between cause and influence. Are heavy viewing of television, video games, computer games, and the Internet going to cause our children to turn into criminals? Probably not. Is it going to influence their behavior and choices? Aha—here’s where I say yes. I believe that what my children spend their time doing will influence them. If they repeatedly watch several hours of TV per day or play Nintendo that much, they will be influenced by the content of those programs or games. As with computer games and the Internet, that influence can be educational, entertaining, violent, or otherwise inappropriate for growing children. As parents, we can remember that we also can influence our children’s viewing habits and decide how much Batman, Barbie, Wrestling, Bob the Builder, Mario, MTV, Arthur, The Simpsons, Kratt’s Creatures, or ZOOM we invite in. Younger children need us to set limits for them. As they grow into their older elementary years, we can still have limits and also help them learn the power of discernment by asking questions like “For what reason do you want to watch that show?” Belonging to a peer group is important to our children, so we need to balance watching what “everyone” is watching with the values and limits of our families. Remember, too, that part of television and video game appeal is that the images change so quickly. This engages the part of our brain that wants more, and can create a type of addiction if it is repeatedly over-stimulated. Equally important to remember is that most television and video games do NOT engage the cortex, or thinking part of our brain. In order to do that, we have to interrupt that barrage of images with a question that requires an answer. That is why it is important to know what our children are viewing on television or the computer, and to watch with them at times and ask questions to engage that thinking part of the brain. This way, they will start to process the information, rather than just imitate it. What else can parents do? Here are a few ways we can be involved in mediating the multimedia influence:
Life is short, and our children are with us for such a short part of it. Spring is here. Turn off the TV. Go play! Amy Johnson, MSW, is passionate about working with children and families. For over 25 years--as a School Social Worker, Parent Educator, Youth Director, Church School volunteer, community volunteer, and parent—Amy has worked diligently to provide parents, teens, and younger youth with tools that will help them flourish and thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her most recent endeavor is to offer comprehensive sexuality education in her faith community and to work with other faith communities to do the same. Read what she has to say about this exciting project on her website at http://diligentjoy.com. Source: www.isnare.com
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