Preventing Bad Effects of TV

• 1). Limit the number of hours you and your family watch TV each day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids younger than 2 not watch any TV, and that those older than 2 watch no more than two hours a day of quality programming.
  
  The effects of TV-watching on the development of babies is not yet known. Time spent watching TV replaces time interacting with other people, and social interaction is critical to a baby's healthy development. This has been supported by data from the Child Development Supplement in 1997. Increase family interactions by keeping TV's out of bedrooms, and turn them off during meals. Instead, use the time to talk as a family about things that happened during the day.
  
  
• 2). Check the TV listings and program reviews ahead of time. If possible, preview programs so you know whether they are appropriate for young children. Two-thirds of all programming contains some form of violence, and a University of Michigan researcher demonstrated that watching violent media can slow willingness to help others in need. TV Parental Guidelines is an age-group rating system developed for TV programs that can help parents determine whether a program is suitable for the whole family. These ratings are listed in television guides, TV listings in your newspapers, and on the screen in your cable program guide.
  
  
• 3). Talk to kids about what they see on television, and share your own beliefs and values. Commercials can glamorize unhealthy choices and promote risky behaviors. Television can be helpful tool explaining confusing situations and expressing feelings about difficult topics. If characters in a TV program are mistreated or discriminated against, talk about why it's important to treat everyone fairly, despite their differences.
  
  
• 4). Offer fun alternatives to television that include physical activity. University of Michigan researchers found that physical activity and TV viewing are most associated with overweight risk. TV was a bigger factor than diet. Go for a bike ride or a short walk, initiate a game of hide-and-seek with your child, or simply play a board game you and your family enjoy.