Children are mainly
exposed to television, television violence and television culture at home. Thus
parents play a vital role in helping children to make sense of what they
see on the television. These days television influences the lives of young children
and it is only going to get worst with each passing year. It is very
challenging for young children to make choices of what programs they should
watch. Because of the lack of experience they need more help from adults.
Pulling children away from television programs is a challenge. Children's media
are designed to get attention and keep it.
Some Horrifying facts
about media violence in children's lives:
By the end of elementary
school, the average child will have seen 8,000 murders and 100,000 other
violent acts in the media.
Children's cartoons and
action programs average more than 20 acts of violence per hour, compared with 5
acts per hour during prime-time hours.
The sale of Mighty Morphin
Power Ranger products (based on the extremely violent TV show) surpassed $1
billion in 1994.
More than $3 billion of
products related to the Star Wars movie have been sold worldwide.
In one survey, more than
90% of teachers thought the Power Rangers led to increased violence among the
children they taught.
Some Action Ideas:
First of all as a parent,
take charge. Develop guidelines for your child as to how much television she/he
can watch. The less the television time the better it is. Since young children
do not have the concept of time, deciding on the number of shows they can watch
can be an option. Select programs that are designed to promote positive
development and learning. Some experts suggest no more than an hour a day for
young children. Experts have suggested a simple chart that parents can use with
their children, for example:
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Plan for TV viewing
for ____________________________
Day of
week Picture of Show
#1 Picture of
Show #2
_________
Time:
Time:
_________ Time: Time:
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Children as young as three
years old can plan by drawing pictures of the show they plan to watch.
You can develop TV rules
for home. Please make sure that as a parent you follow them as well and be
consistent. You can come up with some rules as for example, TV only on
weekends, no TV before school, no TV after dinner, no violent shows, etc. This
plan of action will be more effective if you develop these rules with your
child because she/he will feel that her/his voice is heard. The more meaningful
and understandable a rule is for a child, the more likely it will work.
Keep television out of
your child's bedroom. The best place is the family room. Watch television
together as a family when you can. Talk about what your child sees on the
television.
Parents are role models
for their children. So refrain from making television your prime source of
recreation. This will encourage your child to look for other options rather
than watch television for recreation. Inculcate healthy habits like enjoying
outdoor activities or help she/he develop a hobby like stamp collection,
painting, star gazing, learning to play a musical instrument, etc.
Try not to buy products
which may include clothes, backpacks, shoes, besides toys--that are directly
linked to violent television shows or are advertised during violent programs.
Remember, choose toys that promote creativity.
Help your child understand
a true meaning of hero-that the real heroes are those who work hard and make a
world a better place for example, parents, teachers, doctors, firefighters,
etc. are real heroes.
Interact with your child's
teacher. Ask her as to what is her plan of action if some children in the class
constantly talk about violent television programs and exhibit violent behavior
as a result of watching such programs. Network with other parents and your
child's teacher to reduce the negative aspects of the media culture in the
wider society. Express your opinions and your concerns to the local TV
stations.
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