Great Debates Assignment Is TV Harmful to Children? By: Breanna, Danielle, and Spencer.

Background Before kids even enter school, the majority are already well “plugged into the world of television”

Background Cont. The Kaiser Family Foundation says two thirds of kids under 6 watch 2 hours of television per day. Kids between 8-18 years spend about 4 hours a day in front of a T.V. and an additional 2 hours on the computer and playing video games. However the American Academy of Pediatrics says that kids under 2 should not watch any T.V. This is because the first few years of life are considered crucial to child development, it is important that children watch educational programs.

Most T.V shows for children are non-educational. Only a few shows actually teach important skills. Television is very time consuming and can tire kids out. 57% of TV programs contain “psychologically harmful” violence. When children are placed in front of the television they become strongly engaged. Their attention is captured by the bright colours, quick movements and sudden flashes. TV can influence a child's entire daily schedule. A child could watch TV constantly if left unsupervised. On average a child will watch hours of television before they turn 18. The typical child sits in front of the TV for about 4 hours a day. Watching television is a passive event.

Supporting arguments The Negatives As Kids get older, it is important that they get exercise and stay active, as well as reading, doing homework, and socializing with friends and family. Watching excessive amounts of TV is unhealthy. Approx. 200,000 violent acts are viewed by the ages of 18. Because violence is viewed as a fun and effective way to get what you want, it is easily repeated by the viewers. Behavior problems and sleeping disorders have been linked to over exposure of violence in the media Risky behaviors such as sex, alcohol and drug use are seen as cool and fun, and are commonly found in television programs, movies and commercials. This behavior promotes inappropriate activities at young ages. Smoking can be seen in many television ads, causing more and more kids to light up sooner.

Obesity is another negative effect linked to excessive TV watching. Kids tend to snack and are inactive while watching TV. The commercials promote unhealthy eating habits and that are targeted to children and young viewers. The Negatives cont.

The Positives. TV ratings are important to help guide parents and protect their children from watching programs too mature for specific age groups TV-Y: suitable for all children TV-Y7: directed 7 years older TV-G: General Audience, no violence, sexual dialogue, or strong language. TV-PG: Parental Guidance suggest may contain inappropriate language, dialogue and sexual situations. TV-14: Parents strongly cautioned suitable for those over 14 TV-MA: Designed for adults, unsuitable for those under 17.

Positive Television methods Stock the room with many other non-electronic entertainment, such as: reading material(books, magazines) puzzles, toys, board games. Keep the TV out of bedrooms Turn the TV off during eating hours Keep TV turned off during homework hours Treat TV as a privilege to be earned not an automatic right Only allow TV to be viewed after all homework and chores have been completed. Show your children TV isn’t a necessity, limit your own viewing time and allow them to see there are more important things to do than watching TV. View programs before your children to ensure that they are age appropriate. Come up with a family schedule so you know what TV programs are okay to watch with kids and when the episode is over turn off the TV and don’t channel surf, channel surfing may cause inappropriate TV programs to be viewed by children.

Talk to your kids about what they see on TV. Ask questions like: “Do you think it was okay those men fought?” And give your opinion to teach your kids alternative ways of resolving problems to avoid them repeating what they see on TV.

 As a group we feel television is harmful to children. Kids watch an enormous amount of television a day and it can lead to harmful effects on children such as smoking, drinking, having sex, and being violent at a young age.

 Now it is your turn.  Is TV harmful to children?