Children and Television Essays -- Sociology

As Americans we should be very concerned about the effect that television is having on our children. Today's children watch far too much television. As a result, a number of horrific conditions occur, which could have easily been prevented, if we as parents and caregivers simply would get off of our lazy butts and just turn off the tube. The National Coalition for Children and Families states, "By the time adolescents graduate from high school, they will have spent 15,000 hours watching television, compared with 12,000 hours spent in the classroom." The influence that television is having on America's children is having alarming results. Everyday we are seeing more and more children with developmental delays, distorted realities, and just plain laziness. Children as young a one year old and younger are influenced by television, and the effects have already begun to take place before we even notice that the baby is watching. Television has become a complete nuisance. It has taken hold of our children's lives and it is sucking their energy, creativity, and personalities right out of them. There are many educators, caregivers, and parents who are under the belief that television is an essential learn tool and has helped many children to advance beyond their age level. Many shows such as Blue's Clues, Sesame Street, and Barney are geared to teaching young children between the ages of 2 - 5. But the truth of the matter is children at this tender age are watching television without receiving any personal interaction. One on one interaction is a key developmental tool that is so desperately needed for toddlers to be able to progress in learning. But a line must be drawn when we allow television to be the sol... ...ll this help them to create a healthier lifestyle, but it will also help them to build their immune systems against disease. Grab a book and sit down and read to your child or have them read to you. This will help to develop their vocabulary and personal interaction skills, and not to mention its fun too. Another great idea is to pull out a game and sit down and play with your children. This will not only teach them many valuable skills, but also give them great memories for years to come. Basically it's about getting back to parenting. Learning together, and teaching each other new things, will help to develop a great relationship between the two of you. Give the babysitter (the television) the night off and just spend time with your kids. If you can do this, your children will be smarter and more secure, not to mention happier, healthier members of society.