TV
TV
A recent study by the University of Michigan revealed startling increases in the influence of television on children. Consider these statistics: TV viewing among kids is at an eight-year high. On average, children ages 2-5 spend 32 hours a week in front of a TV watching television, DVDs, DVR and videos, and using a game console. Kids ages 6-11 spend about 28 hours a week in front of the TV. The vast majority of this viewing (97%) is of live TV. 68% of 8 to 18-year-olds have a TV in their bedroom; 54% have a DVD/VCR player, 37% have cable/satellite TV, and 20% have premium channels. In 63% of households, the TV is “usually” on during meals. In 53% of households of 7th- to 12th-graders, there are no rules about TV watching. In 51% of households, the TV is on “most” of the time. Kids with a TV in their bedroom spend an average of almost 1.5 hours more per day watching TV than kids without a TV in the bedroom. Many parents encourage their toddlers to watch television. It is their major source of free babysitting. ref.
Many other studies have been made. TV is directly related to sleep problems, behavioral problems, and childhood obesity. Some relate it to the rapid rise in ADHD and ADD. It takes away from family time, playing with friends, physical activity and muscle development, mastering skills like music or art, and reading, to name a few. During formative years, the lighted box becomes their best friend and greatest influence. Children are so entertained that some school districts say they cannot keep children’s attention without videos and elaborate, expensive computer equipment.
But the greatest concern for Christian parents must be the content of what is being presented on TV. An average American child will see 2,000 beer commercials a year, and 200,000 violent acts and 16,000 murders on TV by age 18. They are taught that revenge is normal and satisfying. They are taught pride, lust, and covetousness by word and example. Most of the heroes are not heroic to God. Yet parents let their children watch, thinking it is benign. It is not. Even history and documentary programs can and will twist the facts to present an agenda. Programs only get worse as the line of what is acceptable is pushed. Perhaps the most dangerous and subtle lesson on TV is that life without God is fun, satisfying, and successful.
How should a Christian parent handle the influence of the TV? (These are in order from least to most radical.) 1) Limit TV watching, both in time and what is allowed. Children need to be outside, physically active every day. 2) Never let children watch TV unless a parent is there to monitor, censure, or at least interpret what is being presented. 3) Get rid of it as an enemy too strong to control. Do what is necessary so that wickedness is not welcome in your home.