Should TV be monitored???

The backpack is offhandedly thrown at the entrance of the door, as he makes his way into the kitchen. With a quick snatch of a can of soda, he plops onto the easeful inviting couch. With a touch of a button, his evening begins… and quite naturally ends with TV.

It’s hard to imagine that the average group of kids are all robotically enslaved to this routine. The result to this can quite easily be seen when we look around to the future generation. I agree dead on with the fact that parents should monitor the content and amount of TV watched by their children.

TV is bound to influence one way or the other. Younger audiences are exposed to violence, adultery and such other inappropriate matters. When children are given the absolute freedom to watch whatever they desire, the end result isn’t always, ‘sugar, spice, and all things nice’. Children often feel the urge to mirror what they see on TV when they are exposed to such programming. It’s hard for them to be able to control their juvenile emotions, and they may easily begin imitating the things they see on TV because they think that it’s cool. It has now even been proved that television does indeed promote negative behaviour, including aggression in children and increased crime.

Secondly, TV can be quite… well, change that to VERY addicting! The intimidating addiction can easily distract people of all ages. This addiction can get into the way of quality spent time, such as family time, and as we all know…homework! Even more disturbing, it can well easily distort the proper needs such as sleeping! Research suggests there is a strong link between many of the growth problems and the excessive watch of television. Parents should also emphasize TV should be turned when doing other activities, such as eating and finishing homework. Studies show that TV may even hamper development of pre-frontal cortex area of the brain responsible for planning, organising and sequencing behaviour for self-control, moral judgment and attention.

Finally yet importantly, TV may actually be a barrier that prevents the formation of bonds. When parents control the environment of TV being watched, it is likely that children and parents may find common interests. As they explore each other’s interests, it can be easier for the children to relate to their parents. In addition, when the children know that their parents know of what is being watched, they feel that there are no secrets to keep from their parents in their relationship. From my experience, I feel that in this way, a bond of trust forms. As time progresses, assurance may build up in the parent’s mind that their children will follow their wishes and the children, in return, may feel responsible to not break this trust. As such emotions begin to play in their relationship, a closer and trustful bond is sure to follow!

And for these such reasons, I do strongly believe that only good can come out of parents monitoring the amount of TV watched by their children. Having heard my side of the tale, why not give a try?