|
Ultimately I think the need here is for parents to be more involved in what their children are doing/watching/playing. Watching TV doesn't necessarily mean that children are going to turn out with lower tests scores than others. It all depends on what you are allowing them to watch. My oldest loves to sit and watch the History Channel with me, he will watch documentaries and the news. I do not see how that is going to dull his grey matter. If a parent knows and limits what their child is watching, I do not see the harm in allowing them a television in their room. My boy has one in his room and he rarely watches it. He is much more likely to be outside with his friends playing football, soccer, or road hockey. Maybe I am one of the lucky parents who is blessed with an active child who likes to be inside about as much as he enjoys going to the dentist. And it is, of course, a matter of discipline. You have to moitor what your child is watching and you have to put your foot down when you feel they have had enough TV time. Once I tell my boy it's bedtime, he goes right to sleep. He knows that he would lose his priviliges if he broke the "no TV after bedtime" rule.
I'm sure there are a number of kids out there whose parents use the TV as a "babysitter" and who are allowed unlimited hours of time spent watching it. This I certainly do not agree with but some parents, unfortunately, just don't care. I don't think it's the televisions that are to blame, but uninvolvement in your child's life and past-times.
__________________
You've been a naughty boy....go to my room!
|