Psychology

The generation of this day and age is bombarded from all over by all sorts of media and with a huge amount of information.  A major part of this influence comes from media in the form of television.  And when we speak of influence, it connotes that sector of society which is the most vulnerable to manipulation  that is, the child.
 
Television is a common part of a childs life.  Compared to 2 or 3 decades ago, television has replaced the radio in terms of presence in the household now most kids rooms have their own television sets.  Nevertheless, despite the continually evolving advancement in terms of this common household device, television is still said to contribute more negative than positive influences on the youth.  Studies show that TV viewing may be linked to violent or aggressive behavior, obesity, poor academic performance, precocious sexuality, and the use of drugs or alcohol ( HYPERLINK httpwww.brevard.k12.fl.usportalsparentsparent-help_television.html httpwww.brevard.k12.fl.usportalsparentsparent-help_television.html).

The television is a very powerful medium because of the audio and video images it can impart to its audience.  Statistics show that on average, TV viewing among kids aged 2-5 averaged 32 hours a week, while those aged 6-11 amounted to about 28 hours weekly (httpwww.med.umich.eduyourchildtopicstv.htm).  Ideally, television shows can be used to promote learning, enhance knowledge and advocate good moral values for the growing child.  However, with the creation of animated shows and other programs which repeatedly depict violence, aggression, bad habits, and other undesirable images, this should be a wake-up call for parents to be wary of the kind of programs their kids are watching.

Due to these findings, television has been touted as the villain in the continually diminishing performance of children in school.  Late night TV viewing has been connected with poor sleep patterns in children ( HYPERLINK httpwww.cnn.comHEALTH9908 20 kids.tv.effects httpwww.cnn.comHEALTH9908 20 kids.tv.effects).  It is said that late night shows and violent movies usually contribute to difficulty in sleeping due to disturbance of regular sleep schedules.  This leads to lack of sleep, and eventually, a sluggish disposition in school resulting to mediocre school performance.

Furthermore, television also contributes to changes in the behavior of developing children.  The childs mind is like a sponge -- it easily absorbs information.  If a child sees that someone on TV, usually the good guy, is always engaging in a fight, doing it repeatedly, the child gets the wrong notion that such behavior is acceptable andor morally correct.  Children normally imitate all that they see and learn (httpswww.msu.eduuserleffterepaper4.htm).

As mentioned previously, television can also be used to present images, both good and bad.  Usually, ads for children are presented in a very seductive manner so as to entice the child to ask their parents to avail of the product.  Notwithstanding a products almost nil, nutritive value, if it gets the childs attention, then the product will be sold.  TV networks have gained a lot from advertisers investments and hence have been airing ads with obvious disregard of their social responsibility.  Now, kids preferred snack foods while watching TV are potato chips and soft-drinks (httpkidshealth.orgparentpositivefamilytv_affects_child.html)  add this to prolonged hours of watching and inactivity.  The end result  Obesity and related health-risks.  

Although more negative things have been said, theres still no denying that television is here to stay.  Vigilance should be the keyword  for both parents and TV networks.  Parents have to keep communication lines open with their children, be aware of what they watch and be available to explain matters subject to confusion.  TV networks should screen all programs and ads carefully, always actively discerning what should and should not be aired.

Parents and children can do other things besides watching TV.  Such activities should be encouraged so that the family can have more quality time together.