Is Television Harmful for Children found at http://news.discovery.com/tech/is-television-harmful-for-children.html is an article which focuses on the effects of TV on all children. Despite the contentious title the article is a well-rounded version of one of many which associate television with many of the current moral panics surrounding youth including violent behaviour, obesity and learning difficulties.
The news article begins with the ‘fact ‘(no evidence supplied) that the average American children sits in front of the Tv for 2-5 hours a day despite the American Paediatrics Association recommendations. It continues on this vein by then linking TV to childhood obesity, poor brain development, lagging educational performance, sleep disturbances and diminished physical activity. So it seems that once again the moral panic around TV continues.
However the article then debates the actual issue of TV use in children with the statement. “This doesn’t mean parents should toss out their TVs; they should just pay more attention to what toddlers are watching.” A quite relevant comparison of TV to junk food is then used, whereby parents are encouraged to develop healthy TV habits directing their children towards non-commercial programs and programs which have educational content which promotes interaction. Once again Teletubbies is depicted as one show not to engage with although its relationship to poor language skills is the stated fact, rather than that of drug promoting behaviour or the debate whether or not Tinky Winky is gay.
The article concludes with some sensible recommendations about TV viewing for parents.
In summary I believe this is a relevant article with credible research and realistic recommendations. It offers a sensible view of an inflammatory product, ensuring that both positive and negative views are presented.
Sue
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