| Many children are raised in a culture of television, | | | | sell products to adults. Allowing only public |
| where they are introduced to TV programming | | | | television viewing is a good rule of thumb and |
| long before they learn to read or attend school. | | | | allows access to such quality programming as |
| Studies show that two-thirds of toddlers watch | | | | Sesame Street, and subscribing to satellite TV |
| about two hours of television per day, while all | | | | can provide access to a wider scope of |
| kids under six years old top off at an average of | | | | educational children's programming, as well. Some |
| about two hours in front of some type of screen, | | | | parents may also want to use some newer |
| whether they are tuned into the TV or watching | | | | technology, such as TiVo and the V-chip to |
| a DVD or video. Older kids, however, from the | | | | control what their children are exposed to. The |
| ages of about 8 to 18, spend nearly 6 hours | | | | V-chip (V stands for violence) basically censors |
| every day in front of a screen, be in the TV or | | | | programming deemed inappropriate based on |
| the computer. Statistics say that they watch | | | | age-group ratings and parental rating guides, and |
| about 4 hours of television programming and an | | | | can be programmed to help parents keep their |
| average of two hours on the computer. | | | | television under control. |
| Such numbers seem like an unhappy truth, which | | | | The best way to ensure that your children have |
| the youth of today planted in front of a screen | | | | a healthy balance of educational television |
| rather than interacting with others or playing | | | | entertainment and personal and social |
| sports or getting some other sort of physical | | | | development is to open communication about |
| exercise. But the reality is that young children can | | | | why TV is not the most important part of their |
| benefit from quality television programming, in | | | | young lives. Encourage games, toys, books, |
| moderation, as a child's brain develops most | | | | puzzles, and friendships, but do not forbid |
| rapidly during the first 2 years of life. If | | | | television so as to make your child crave it all the |
| educational entertainment is balanced with playing | | | | more. Bear in mind that educational programming |
| with friends and exploring their world, children can | | | | on public stations, as well as specific |
| actually become advanced by watching TV. For | | | | child-development programs can indeed help your |
| example, they may start kindergarten having | | | | child move along mentally. Setting a good example |
| already learned the ABCs and how to count to | | | | as a television viewer by watching responsible |
| 100, as well as being able to identify animals, | | | | programs and spending more time interacting with |
| colors, and shapes. | | | | your child than planted in front of the TV can also |
| Parents can help control their child's TV behavior | | | | help your child understand that television has its |
| by limiting exposure to certain programming and | | | | place, but is not to be considered a given. |
| commercials that are geared at using children to | | | | |