Back when many of us were growing up, our parents would yell at us to shut the TV off and go outside and play. Parents of generations past knew that fresh air and sunshine were ultimately healthier than watching the “boob tube.” And back then the boob tube was far gentler than it is today!
But with each passing generation of parents, the TV was not just used for entertainment, it also became the number 1 babysitter for many households. I’m sure if we’re honest, most of us would admit to sticking our kids in front of the television so we could get some work done.
But there have been far too many studies that have concluded that television is harmful to our children’s development. In fact, many child psychologists and child development experts recommend that young children between the ages of 2 and 3 not be exposed to TV at all. Sadly, many parents place their young toddler in front of the TV set in hopes it will be educational for them.
Just How harmful is Television to Children?
It may surprise you what some studies uncovered about the effects of television viewing and children:
1. Poor Academic Performance
Researchers at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons found that 14-year-olds who watched more than one hour of TV daily “were at elevated risk for poor homework completion, negative attitudes toward school, poor grades, and long-term academic failure.’’ Those kids who watched three or more hours of TV each day were at even greater risk for learning disabilities.
2. A Lower Level of Education
Another study published in the American Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that “Increased time spent watching television during childhood and adolescence was associated with a lower level of educational attainment by early adulthood.’’
3. Development of Bad Lifestyle Choices
It’s not just education that is affected by TV viewing. The University of Michigan Health System has stated that kids who watch television are more likely to be overweight, smoke, have high cholesterol and suffer from sleep problems.
4. Teen Sex
Other studies have found that teens who watch more sexual content on TV are twice as likely to be involved in underage pregnancy.
What Can We Do?
- Be a model to our kids and get up from the TV and do something better with our time. Pursue hobbies and social activities and involve our kids as much as possible.
- Ban electronics at the dinner table. The kids who do well in school are those who learn to speak and listen to others.
- Keep TV and cellphones out of kids’ rooms so they don’t sneak watch when they should be sleeping.
- Pay attention to what our kids are watching and consider using parenting software to shield young children from sexual or violent content.
While some of us older folks may think, “We watched TV growing up and we came out just fine,” it’s important to remember that TV viewing time back then was generally far less and the content was far different. If we want our kids to thrive and become the best they can be in the future, it may be time to make some adjustments right now.
Hello my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include approximately all important
infos. I’d like to look more posts like this .
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I’ll certainly return.
Thank you for any other informative site. Where else may I get that type of information written in such a perfect manner?
I’ve a mission that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the
look out for such info. http://Szblueseed.com/comment/html/?17183.html
Appreciate this post. Will try it out. https://Go.Onpoint.id/betsyshippee
Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are
a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have
done a extraordinary job! http://Www.Agchem.Co.kr/freeboard/960310
Its such as you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, such as you wrote the book
in it or something. I feel that you just can do with a few % to drive the message home a bit, however other than that, this is magnificent blog.
An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back. http://Demos.Gamer-Templates.de/specialtemps/clansphere20114Sdemo01/index.php?mod=users&action=view&id=5797410
Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me
to check out and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me.
Thanks, very great post.
I read this post completely about the resemblance of latest
and preceding technologies, it’s awesome article. https://Aproblemsquaredwiki.com/User:ForrestHoppe33
Generally I don’t read post on blogs, but I wish to say that
this write-up very forced me to check out and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me.
Thank you, quite nice post.
Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed
information you present. It’s awesome to come across a blog
every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed
information. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Greetings! I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and finally got the
bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Humble Texas!
Just wanted to tell you keep up the great work!
Good day! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick
shout out and say I really enjoy reading through your posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same
subjects? Thank you!
I’m more than happy to uncover this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones
time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every part of it and
i also have you bookmarked to see new things in your site. http://www.synonyms.bookmarking.site/News/podiatrique-duvernay-2/
Hi there, its pleasant paragraph concerning
media print, we all know media is a fantastic source of data. https://wiki.Apolloabove.org/index.php/User:AmadoHaight47
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the web the simplest factor to take into account of.
I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as folks consider worries that they just don’t recognize about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing without having side effect ,
other folks can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more.
Thank you http://www.e-tracking-system.bookmarking.site/out/fooddelicio-restauran-51/
This info is invaluable. How can I find out more?
Hello, I enjoy reading through your article post. I wanted to write a little
comment to support you.
Also visit my page: Chumdanmask
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write with regards to here.
Again, awesome blog!