Keeping TV in its place

However, TV does have a place in a balanced, satisfying childhood - provided it is kept in its place.

Educated to consume

On commercial channels, the programs are wrapped around commercials which, themselves, are very powerful teachers. Children watch thousands of television commercials a year, which forces them to become uncritical and impulsive consumers. Sophisticated and persuasive techniques draw them to products; their desires and needs are identified and appealed to; ‘fun’, ‘success’ and ‘the good life’ are all given a slant that, by and large, centres on wanting and having.

The challenge

The challenge facing parents and teachers is to help children to become critical and discerning viewers who can draw the best from television’s vast offering while rejecting messages, values, choices and lifestyles that are invaluable, no matter how entertaining and enticing the presentation.

View and talk

One effective way in which parents can help their children is to sit down occasionally with them and watch the programs. The aim is not to ‘spoil’ favourite shows by ridiculing them but to have a discussion about the show’s message.

Share the enjoyable, informative and funny moments and when the time is right, take the conversation a little deeper. Discuss the characters, their ways of relating and solving problems. What is important to the characters? What is the basic message of the program itself?

Are the values and beliefs life-giving or do they contrast with the values of the family?

'TV has changed the modern child from an irresistible force into an immovable mass!' (anon.)

Television plays an important role in a child's life from the earliest age - these days, they're pressing remote control buttons before they can walk! It's been called 'the third parent' and 'the other teacher' with some justification. 

For more than 30 years, researchers have been telling us that, over a full year, an average child spends as much time watching TV as in the classroom.

Every viewing moment teaches something about the world, about people, about appropriate behaviour and about what is important, useful and desirable.

TV, of course, can make a valuable contribution to a child’s development. It can stimulate interests, provide information, entertain and promote relaxation. It can heighten a child’s awareness and understanding of people and the world. On the negative side, it can encourage children to passively accept poor values and attitudes. It can coax them away from conversation, play, hobbies and study. And it can waste a huge amount of time.

Turn OFF and say why

Sometimes a parent feels the need to turn an objectionable program off or refuse to allow it to be watched. 

When taking this action, it is important to explain why. Identify the objectionable values in the program (e.g. gratuitous violence or sex) and explain why you believe your child should not be exposed to them (e.g. innapropriate for age, against family values etc.).

Listen to your child’s point of view about why they want to watch the program, then encourage further discussion about the issues presented in an age appropriate way. Your child’s interest may be the result of curiosity and talking to them in an open and honest way will increase their understanding and help them learn.

Be selective

Families can adopt some sort of ‘policy’ on the time available for TV viewing.

When the television set is on all the time, people are distracted by whatever is being broadcast at that moment. Children need to be taught, even from the earliest age, to be more selective. And they need help in making their selections. Have times when the TV is not on at all (e.g. during family meal times, when homework is being done or after a certain time at night).

Be flexible

No matter what is decided, it’s important to remain flexible.

The important thing is to keep television in its place - at the service of family life - and the controls ultimately in the hands of aware and supportive parents.

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