The Great TV Debate

It's so tempting. With the click of the power button the television can entertain your child for hours. But, is TV harmful for children or is it a benign baby sitter? Can it actually be good? By understanding how your child experiences television at every age and applying some simple viewing habits, you can teach your child to become a healthy consumer of television.

The debate over how much TV is too much TV for kids is not new. Television has been blamed for the rise in childhood obesity; largely because on average children spend an alarming 28 hours per week in front of the television. On the other hand, thoughtful programming on channels like PBS reinforce skills like counting, elementary Spanish, cooperation and friendship. So what's a busy parent to do? If you decide that television is okay for your family, allow it in moderation. An hour or so of educational television during the day won't harm your older child. Just make sure other portions of your child's day are spent being active.

Try these healthy TV viewing habits in your home:

• Videotape TV shows that your child likes and are suitable for your child's age group. When there is nothing appropriate on TV you can pop in the video. Or, if your child enjoys a show that is not on public television, buy videos or DVDs. These versions are free from tempting commercials and advertisements.
• Do not put television set in your child's bedroom. It's just too tempting for both you and your child. It gives your child too much access to a television and it limits your ability to supervise.
• Turn the TV off during family meals. Talk and enjoy each other's company instead!
• Watch TV with your child. Discuss what's going on and point out examples of good behavior like sharing or friendship. Compare events on the TV with real life events.
• Set some limits. Remember, the key to raising a child with healthy TV viewing habits is moderation. Allow your child to watch no more than two half-hour shows per day.

How Children Experience TV

18 months and younger

Babies and infants only see an array of lights, colors and sounds when your television is on. They may be able to identify a character, such as Barney, but are not able to grasp the program's message. Babies receive so little benefit from TV and so much benefit from educational toys and human interaction that most experts agree - at this young age it's best to keep the TV off.

18 months to 3 years

At this age, children are beginning to understand concepts of television shows. By the time a child is two and a half years old, he can follow the action during Barney or Sesame Street. Most children have a favorite television show by the time that they are three.