Tv Kids

TV Kids

It has become obvious that children are extremely fond of television. Many American children have become addicted to it. Kids spend far too much time in front of a screen when they are at home. Constant television watching can provoke laziness, lead to child obesity, and have a lasting effect on social behavior ("televisionaffects").

Children now would much rather stay indoor and watch television or sit in front of a computer, rather than going outside or doing anything physical. They spend less time with friends and family as well. TV viewing among kids is at en eight year high ("yourchild"). Now, with all the shows on television, it is growing more popular with children. Television exposes them to many different programs. These television influences can negatively impact children's social behavior and their thinking. If children are watching bad or risky programming, particular programs can affect or influence them. Violent programming most negatively impacts children. Repeated exposure to television violence makes kids less sensitive ("parents"). Television makes drinking, smoking and sex seem okay to do. Children think that if the people on television are doing it, then they can too. Kids like to imitate their favorite characters on TV shows.

Children are spending a majority of their time in front of a screen. Young children spend an average of four hours a day watching television ("yourchild"). They usually spend this time either sitting down and eating or being inactive. Consequently, many children become obese because they watch so much television. TV is an alternative to being active. Children who consistently spend more than four hours per day watching TV are more likely to be overweight ("televisionaffects"). They will continue to watch television everyday and continue to be inactive, which leads to an unhealthy life.

As children get older, too much screen time can interfere with activities such as being physically active, reading, doing homework, playing with friends, and spending time with family ("televisionaffects"). Children and teens ages , 8 through 18 spend nearly four hours per day in front of a TV screen and almost two more additional hours in front of a computer screen outside of school ("family"). Media and technology now offer more ways to access television content on cell phones, iPods, and on the web ("yourchild"). Children can watch TV on their computers at home or on the go. Having the ability to access TV shows anytime during the day can encourage them to watch even more. Forty-one percent of television viewing is now online, which makes TV shows more accessible ("yourchild"). Some shows are available online and can be watched at any time during the day.

Many children spend time watching movies on their own DVD or video players. Now, fifter-four percent of children ages 8 through 18 have a DVD player ("yourchild"). Most children will watch a great amount of both television and movies every day. Many of these children have these DVD or video players in their own rooms ("yourchild"). Seventy-one percent of 8 through 18 year olds have a TV set in their bedroom ("family"). Thus they watch a greater amount of TV. Having a bedroom television lets children watch TV before going to bed or while doing homework. Children with a television in their bedroom spend an average of almost one and a half hours more per day watching TV than children without a television in their bedroom ("yourchild").

Limited television viewing is important for young children. Kids ages 2 through 5 spend thirty-five hours per week in front of a television ("yourchild"). Two-thirds of infants and toddlers watch a screen average of two hours a day ("yourchild"). Two hours a day is too much time for infants and toddlers to watch TV. A more reasonable amount would be about half an hour a day. Television in moderation does not have to be negative, but too much exposure can negatively affect young children. Television and other electronics can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others ("family").

Parents should make sure that they spend more time playing with their children than exposing them to television programs. TV viewing starts earlier than any other form of media. The first two years of life are considered a critical time for brain development ("family"). If infants or toddlers are exposed to too much television, they will be limited in time to play with parents and to explore. This critical time must be used for healthy brain development for these young children. Television time should be moderated, and only approved brain-healthy programs should be watched. The AAP (American Academy of