- Set limits – Parents should set limits on how much time their children spend watching television and playing with other electronic media, such as video games and mobile devices. Studies show that excessive television watching and electronic media use can be detrimental to children’s academic and social development. By setting healthy boundaries, parents encourage responsible media habits.
- Talk about what you watch – Discuss the themes and ideas presented in content you watch together. Television can spark great conversations about society, science, politics, and much more.
- Set an example – Parents who constantly watch the tube themselves won’t be very effective in convincing their children to put down the universal remote and head outside. Parents should lead by example, taking time to do other activities instead of just watching television. Children who see their parents reading, exercising, and pursuing hobbies will be more likely to do the same.
- Monitor content – There are more channels and media outlets than ever, and, unfortunately, this increases the chance that your children might view inappropriate content. Use technological tools to control what your children watch, and evaluate your own media habits to find ways to set a better example for your children.
Making TV Work for Your Family
Although television often gets a bad rap, it offers a lot of entertainment and educational value for families. The key is responsible and moderate use. Instead of just turning their children loose with the remote control, families seeking to instill healthy habits in their kids should establish a few ground rules.