Children and Television
Television has been changing the way people live for thirty years. It influences nearly
every aspect of modern life. Whereas television could be used as an educational tool for children,
programs with little or no educational value are shown more often.
Experts are concerned about the view of the world that youngsters are learning from
television. Parents, schools, and churches have traditionally been the social models and teachers
for children. However, because television influences children's attitudes and behavior, its role in
society is becoming increasingly more powerful - it is much more than a simple recreational
activity. The medium "has changed childhood more than any other social innovation in the
history of the world," declares child psychologist Robert M. Liebert.
Exposure to excessive violence is another influence of television. According to several
studies, televised violence may cause children to become more aggressive. Also, because so much
violence is seen by children on television, they become more used to it as the only solution to
difficult situations. Children who watch a great deal of violence on television may become
apathetic toward actual aggression. One study has shown that, compared to a control group, fifth-
graders who watched an aggressive television broadcast were slower to ask for adult help when a
fight broke out among younger children. This decreased sensitivity to human suffering is
frightening, says psychologist Ronald S. Drabman.
Clever advertising aimed at children certainly influences them. "Exposing children to so
much high-powered advertising of sugar-rich products on television puts their dental health at
risk and is also, of course, a negative influence on proper nutrition," says Dr. Dale Roeck.
Another expert asserts that "almost all the products that television sells to kids are products that
people who care about kids feel shouldn't be consumed in the first place." Very young children
don't even distinguish between commercials and programs. Is it fair to show advertising to
young children?
Instructors at Horace Mann nursery school in New York noticed definite improvements in
pupils' attitudes and behavior, including a decrease in their fighting, after the instructors asked
parents to limit the youngsters' viewing to one hour daily. Educational experts also believe that
parents could help by discussing both the good and bad aspects of television with their children
and by helping them to select beneficial programs. What are the summary in this ?
