While some experts believe that occasional exposure to even questionable shows and games won't harm an otherwise stable child, it is important for parents to find the time and the courage to monitor both the quantity and the quality of their children's exposure to today's technology.
Keep in mind that those responsible for TV shows, videos, and electronic games are often more focused on ratings and profits than on the educational value or the ill effects of visual violence on children.
While we can't keep the media away from our children, we can, however, discus the confusing or controversial issues and the feelings of fear or concern that may arise when our children are inadvertently exposed to images that could be upsetting.
Remember, moderation is the key; even the best programmes can become addictive. Although many TV programmes are educational, entertaining, or relaxing, none can ever trule take the place of a child's need for social interaction with his family and friends.
- Decide what's acceptable in terms of both content and viewing time. Encourage your child's participation in making these decisions. Many experts feel hat one to two hours total screen time per day is enough for young kids. Expect some resistance from your kids; it takes a while for them to learn to use discretion.
- Make a point of turning off the TV during meals and talking with your kids instead.
- Make available a few carefully selected videos placed on a designated shelf that the kids can watch any time. This can replace the labourious daily process of monitoring, debating, and deciding that to let your kids watch.
- If you purchase educational software keep it light and fun for your child. Your child can become very turned off if you insist he use a certain programe for a certain lenth of time. Let your child's natural attention span guide you.
- Sit and watch TV with your children whenever possible so that you can explain sensitive or confusing subjects when necessary. Sometimes shows and games that do include violence, casual sexual conduct, or racial and gender stereotyping can still be worth viewing with your children five and older. They can help you initiate discussions and teach valuable moral lessons when the consequences are sensitively and honestly portrayed.
- Keep in mind that many young children cannot distinguish make-believe from fantasy; what they see on the screen is real to them.
- Be aware that a show during prime time may not be appropriate for your child.
- Know that your child may catch a case of the "gimmes" from commercials. Discuss commercials with your children and explain how advertising works in terms that they can understand.
- Be aware that your child may pick up negative, insulting language from some TV shows.
- Realize that the daily TV news can be one of the most visually violent and scary shows of all for young children. Children will conjure up images only as gruesome as they can handle in their own minds as they listen to stories, fables, and fairy tales. Television does not offer them the same level of control.
- Keep in mind that true creativity is often stimulated by boredom. TV shows and games supply children with instant images, instead of letting them use their own imaginations. It can also prevent them from social interaction, and real "hands-on" experiences.
- Consider offering your child quiet time playing in his room, rather than always turning on the TV when you need a break.
- Realize that excessive screen time can rob a child off time for physical activities and start him on the road to being a couch potato.
- Place the TV and video screens so that you can monitor them, for example in the family room rather than in the child's bedroom.
- Some families choose to do without TV and video games completely. However, socially your child may feel left out of the popular subculture rooted in children's TV shows and games.
- Recognize computers are particularly good for strengthening some specific skills. Especially for children who have trouble learning with more traditional methods; some are more visual, while others are more auditory or kinesthetic learners.
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