On average, American children watch TV three to four hours per day, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). TV brings both fantasy and the real world into our living rooms. It can help your children experience wildlife and other cultures that would otherwise be unreachable to them, but at the same time it exposes children to violence and risky behaviors that they may emulate.
Increased Aggression
According to Kids Health, by age 18, American children see 200,000 violent acts on television. The AACAP says even viewing one violent TV program can increase aggressiveness. The Media Awareness Network points out that preschool-aged children are unable to understand mitigating factors portrayed in TV shows and are more likely to behave aggressively after viewing TV violence. A study published by the American Psychological Association in February 2004 found that children who watched many hours of TV violence during their elementary school years tended to engage in more aggressive behaviors as teenagers.
Education and World Awareness
TV offers educational benefits--from teaching the alphabet to exploring wildlife. It makes remote portions of the globe accessible, helping your children to learn about and develop a connection to other societies and cultures. The Media Awareness Network notes that issues raised in documentary programs can help children to develop critical thinking skills.
Physical Risks
According to Kids Health, children who frequently watch TV for more than four hours per day are more likely to be overweight. In addition to the lack of physical activity, watching TV makes your children more likely to snack and they see a relentless parade of advertisements encouraging them to eat unhealthy foods.
Confusion between Right and Wrong
TV shows often portray the hero as someone who uses violence or commits illegal acts to save someone or prevent a catastrophe. This contradicts what you have taught your child and may lead to confusion about what is right and wrong. Moreover, many TV programs portray characters engaging in alcohol or drug abuse as well as sex and often these acts are presented as "cool" with no discussion of the negative consequences of these behaviors.
Impact on Social Development
If your children watch violence on TV, they may become numb to it and they risk becoming less sensitive to suffering and pain of others in the real world, according to the American Psychological Association. Conversely, the violence they see depicted on the screen may make them fearful in the real world. Some TV shows also portray gender role and racial stereotypes, which may become part of the child's pattern of thinking, according to Kids Health.
