Television, videos and DVDs help to provide entertainment for all of us. For children they also provide another opportunity to educate and stimulate them about the 'outside world’.
This can help to stimulate imagination but at times it can be frightening. A young child does not need exposure to the harsh realities of life---children need the opportunity to talk; to play; to daydream; to read and to feel safe and secure.
How does television affect your child?
Depending upon the stage of development, children react in different ways:
Children under 6 years old have difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality in any television programme. They cannot follow plots but tend to focus on the 'exciting' parts without understanding the cause and effect. Some children see cartoon characters as real - this can be reinforced by trips to “Disney".
Children aged 6 to 9 still have difficulty working out difference between fantasy and reality. Boys tend to admire and react to the powerful male hero!!
Older primary school children can be disturbed by material which is based on fact in case it happens to them. They are curious, easily led and may 'pick up' bad habits.
Your child will be affected by television programmes if they believe them to be real. They judge reality in three ways:
- They recognise on television things which they have experienced e.g. it is real because there is a dog in it like mine
- They think programmes are unreal if they have not experienced them e.g. people cannot really fly because neither Mummy nor I can!
- They may understand how programmes are made e.g. there is a person inside that costume.
Nine to ten year olds are much clearer about people 'playing' parts. Six to seven year olds may believe that there is a place called Coronation Street !
Some children may be frightened by pictures on TV. Many children were worried, upset and anxious after the continuous coverage of the Tsunami disaster. Other children learnt from this exposure on TV and found it a positive experience...they really wanted to help!
Advertising This certainly influences adults and children---it is meant to! Children under 8 generally believe what adverts tell them. Children aged 8 to 10 are aware that ads do not always tell the truth but are confused by them.
Violence I think that all children are affected by watching violence. This is especially true when they see scenes of violence to other children, to animals and violence in the street. Children who see violence repeatedly show an alarming reaction:
- they are more likely to use aggression to solve their problems
- children are anxious about the frightening world around them
- Children become less sensitive to violence in real life.
This is especially true for children who watch more than thee hours TV daily. Younger children, boys, children from violent homes and insecure children are most deeply affected.
Positive TV |
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Children need to understand and enjoy different life styles and cultures – they are not born with prejudices. TV can introduce children to stories, traditions and songs within their own culture as well as helping them learn about others. |
How to manage TV at home
TV can interfere with your routines such as getting ready for school, bedtimes, mealtimes, enjoying visitors and even homework.
To help you as parents:
- use TV classifications which tell what is suitable for which age group
- have a 'set' TV watching time
- tape programmes so they can be watched at a suitable time decide on a 'set’ bedtime rather than letting TV programmes dictate this
- try to keep mealtimes TV free so that there is time for talking.
Reminders
- lead by example: your child may follow your TV habits
- control the TV: do not let it control you
- watch TV with your child
- watch TV only when you have chosen a particular show
- tape programmes
- talk to your child about programmes afterwards
- discuss the adverts together
- have a story time; outside playtime; time for friends; and family time.
- enjoy doing things as a family
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