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Children have more access to media today than
ever before. Television, video games and the internet offer a
continuous flow of information that can be accessed on demand.
These media have become so much a part of daily life, their
influence may easily be overlooked. It is important for
parents to consider the amount and content of media consumed by
their children.
Amount of Media
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one
to two hours per day of quality screen time for children and no
screen time for children under two years of age. The time a
child spends sitting in front of a screen is time taken
away from other activities. Children need to spend time
moving, playing, reading, learning and interacting with adults and
children for healthy physical, intellectual and social development.
Research shows that children with excessive television viewing
habits are more likely to be obese and poor academic performers.
Content of Media
Children (and even
some adults) may struggle to distinguish what is for real and what
is for entertainment in media. This is especially difficult
for children who spend more time in front of a screen and less time
interacting with people. Media sends powerful messages that
have a profound effect on children. Studies reveal links
between media violence and aggressive behavior in children as well
as sexual content in media and sexual behavior. Research also
suggests that media use leads to poor body image, drug and alcohol
use, and the reinforcement of gender and racial stereotypes.
What can parents do?
Media has a great deal of influence on children, but so do
parents!
- Establish guidelines for when,
where and how much media is used. Media should not
be used during mealtimes or while homework is being
completed. Provide a common area for children to
use media under supervision to keep it out of their
bedroom. Set a time limit for daily media use and
consider implementing media-free days during the week.
- Use rating and content guides to
choose suitable media for children. Take advantage
of parental controls for added security.
- Use media with children and talk
about the messages they send. Encourage children
to think critically about what they see and hear.
Ask questions and share your values.
- Set a good example by following
the guidelines you've set for media use in your home. Model
the behavior your expect from your child.
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Additional Help
We recommend the following on-line resources for more information
regarding the effects of media on children and what parents can do
about it:
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Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is an independent
non-profit organization dedicated to helping families make the
best media choices for their kids.
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MediaWise
MediaWise is an initiative of The National
Institute on Media and the Family, a non-profit organization
with a mission to "maximize the benefits and minimize the harm
of media on children and families through research, education
and advocacy." This site offers research-based information
about the effects of media on children, media reviews and a
color-coded rating system.
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Parents Television Council: Parent's
Guide
The Parents Television Council is a national
advocacy organization promoting positive, family-oriented
programming. The PTC site provides a family guide to prime
time television that includes a color-coded rating system.
Parents may use a search option or a weekly schedule to find overviews
of prime time programs as well
as a rating for sex, language, violence and the overall show.
The site offers education, tips, guides and web links to promote
family entertainment.
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TV
Turnoff Network
The TV Turnoff Network is a "non-profit
organization that
encourages children and adults to watch much less television in
order to promote healthier lives and communities." The
site offers TV facts, figures, research and more.
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