Children's Television Pros & Cons
Posted: Wednesday, August 08, 2007
by Jason Forthofer
There's been talk of the benefits and dangers of children watching television virtually since the medium's beginnings in the late 1940s. Parents wishing to allow their children to enjoy television's virtually limitless power to educate and entertain just as often find themselves taken aback by mature themes and subject matter. For decades, public television and certain child-friendly cable networks offered safe harbor from conventional television programming, though in recent years the educational value of some of its programming has fallen under criticism, too. The accusations stem from a belief that so-called educational programming has compromised its standards for the sake of competing with mainstream television entertainment. If these programs become more commercial, the argument states, where can parents find trustworthy programming for their children?
Some studies point to increased language development among children with access to television, however. The interaction between characters, these studies suggest, allow children a firmer grasp of the uses of language and an appreciation for how conversational skills develop and take shape.
Nevertheless, the dangers of too much television consumption - obesity from a weakened metabolism, lackluster reading and comprehension skills, and diminished motor reflexes – would seem to outweigh the benefits. The individual parent should decide what’s best for their child.
Parents wishing to avoid "television addiction" in their children should take steps to limit the child's access to the family's set early on, and maintain the restricted viewing with both consistency and self-discipline. Experts advise keeping the television not in the family's main room but in an out-of-the-way part of the house, such as the basement rec room or upstairs guest bedroom. While this may put a hamper on parent's accessibility to enjoy the programming, the time available for family bonding and interaction will grow proportionately.
Experts also caution parents to make their child's television viewing specific to a certain program, and refrain from allowing the TV to run as "background noise" in the family room or during family time. Parents should also watch the programs with the children, to make sure they understand its content and to answer questions the children might have. Recording programs, so that parents can pause to discuss, is also a way to increase understanding. Corner Stork Baby Gifts is proud to present this essay as part of our commitment to healthy, active children. We carry a complete line of unique baby gifts, baby shower gifts and personalized baby gifts to fit any taste. Visit us at http://www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)NO this article did NOT help me . there are very litle pros and just cons . I did not find what i was looking for . And please could you give me at least 10 pros about television ??I don't know that I could give you 10, because as we all know, TV has taken a downward spiral as networks see how far they can push the envelope. But as the article does state and what you may have missed in the 3rd or 4th paragraph is that it helps children get a better grasp on the language as they see how it's used and better learn to communicate. And to expand on that point it continues to help children develop socially as they see interactions take place. Not to mention the learning tools like Bill Nye the Science Guy, etc. As for adults, with exception to stations like the History Channel or the National Geographic network, unless we're the types of viewers that actively watch these stations to expand our mind, there are no pros for adults. But for children, as long as stations such as Public TV, Noggin, History Channel and the wealth of other educational channels continue to exist, there will always be pros. The educational value that is offered is unmatched in some cases and even surpasses what is available at the sorely lacking government schools. However, you shouldn't need to read this article to know what the pros and cons are of TV. I think this article better serves as a commentary more than an informative piece. Hopefully, you can see clearly what the pros are even though they are much harder to see than the cons.
Yes it was very helpul, im reseraching for a class debate and i was wandewring maybe if there was any other information that could help me with this.i am doing a research about is for my speech. give me more information please.
well, it helped me, just a little bit. but i still think that this article is quite good!@@
crappy article
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