How does television influence your child? How much time does your child spend in front of the TV? What kind of programs does he watch and what is their content? Do you control the choice of the programs and are there any banned movies or broadcasts for your child?

From an early age television conquer the child conscience and thought! Television is quite attractive by presenting interesting color pictures and various sounds. It is an integral part of the day routine of the child, long before he starts going to school. Do parents pay attention to what their child watches and how long he is concentrated on the TV screen?

According to a research of the American Academy of Pediatrics for one year a child spends his time in front of the TV averagely 1 023 hours and only 900 hours at school. Those of them who are enraptured by the TV for more than 10 hours every day are more prone to obesity and overweight and grow more aggressive. On the other hand television may intensify race discrimination and those who watch action scenes with murders and kidnappings are inclined to believe that the world is frightful, hides dangers and it is possible something bad to happen to them. Children between 2 and 7 years of age are afraid of fictional monsters and those between 8 and 10 years of age are terrified by violence, natural disaster and torture of other children.

Violence is one of the most powerful factors through which aggression arouses in child mind. This is a result from their wish to imitate a certain good character that often fights, kicks or bites somebody else. In most cases the parents warn children about the intolerance of such behavior but television is the one that shows quite explicitly how “the good guy” retaliates with violence against “the bad guy”. Children are directly influenced by the blood scenes, predatory monsters and natural disasters presented in the evening news and movies as well as in the show programs. Such movie frames may shock them and make them feel more vulnerable.

Television leads to one more problem concerned with the child health condition: obesity. The many hours spent in front of the TV hamper the normal child development and the way of eating. Children often consume chips, fries, biscuits and chocolates without obtaining the necessary nourishing minerals and vitamins. This food often proves to be the favorite one for our children.

Many protectors of children think that the educational programs are not the best way to encourage child development. There are too many programs and the children spending more time in front of the TV screen do not make reading exercises or try to socialize with other children. Parents are those who have to show that watching TV is not an escape from reality but a form of entertainment.

Little children are unable to make a difference between fiction and reality and the explanation that the evil monsters do not exist will not change their mind. The best thing to do is to restrict the number of hours spent in front of the TV as well as to minimize the indiscriminate watching of TV programs. If the TV set is in the child room, living room, bedroom or other room where the child spends most of the time, remove the TV set from there. It is better if the whole family sits in front of the TV and watches programs with no violence and no obscene words. Such programs educate children in the way you wish your child to be brought up. It is good if you talk to your child when some event rouses your indignation. You have to explain it in a simple way to your child and do not forget to ask him about his opinion. Do not give a bad example of your child by spending hours in front of the TV. Find an alternative of television and spend your time together with your family. Listen to music, share your hobby, play games or cook together. This will be the most precious time spent with your child.