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It is difficult for most young parents to imagine a world without television. Indeed, today' preschoolers are one of the first generations whose parents also grew up under television's powerful influence. Extensive research on the effects of television on children indicates that its potentially harmful as well as beneficial effects depend on many factors. Here are some points to keep in mind as you try to assess what's best for your preschooler.

What Kind of Television Programs Should My Child Watch?

Ample evidence is available to indicate that young children learn a variety of behavior from television-desirable and undesirable behavior. Children can learn from television that aggression is an acceptable way to settle conflict, and they can also learn that cooperation is often appreciated, admired, and rewarded.

Some preschoolers have difficulty separating the fantastic from the real, especially when it comes to television fare; its vividness makes even the fantastic seem quite real and plausible to many young children. Some react with debilitating fearfulness to programs that depict violence or feature horror or suspense. It is therefore a good idea to monitor the content, messages, and style of the programs watched by young youngster. Though it takes some effort, it is worthwhile to identify enjoyable programs that reflect your own values and to limit your preschooler to watching only those that satisfy your criteria.

Although adults might ignore television commercials, young children generally fail to distinguish them from the other material presented. Therefore, part of your evaluation of the programs should include careful scrutiny of the commercial messages that accompany them. If your child persistently begs for products advertised on television, she may be watching the wrong kinds of programs or watching them too much.

If your child's play consists of increased rough-and-tumble activity at home or in the preschool, then she may be watching too much television that portrays fighting. Even some cartoon shows depict combat and aggression as sources of fun and entertainment, and some children will need adult guidance to avoid that kind of message.

How Much Television Is Enough?

One way to think about this question is to ask yourself, What else could he be doing instead of watching television? If it is a time when you are busy and cannot supervise outdoor play or be directly involved in his activity for some reasons, or the weather keeps you indoors for extended periods, then perhaps television watching is a reasonable use of his time. If, however, your child could be engaged in creative play (alone or with others), outdoor activity, satisfying physical activity, or helping you with simple but important chores, then it would be appropriate to turn off the television. A child might protest and fuss when the set is first turned off. But if you stay with your decision about what is best, he will accept it eventually.

With Whom Should Preschoolers Watch Television?

Until you are reasonably confident that the programs your youngster is watching meet with your approval, it is a good idea to watch them with her. At times you can catch messages that may need to be clarified or even contradicted. Like reading stories to children, watching television with them provides a good context for helping them to acquire good taste. When parents comment to children about what they appreciate about a story, a landscape, a dance performance, or a rendition of a song, they lay the foundation for the development of aesthetic discrimination. Children may not agree at first and may enjoy different kinds of entertainment from their parents during the teenage years. But chances are they will drift back toward the family values expressed during their very earliest years as consumers of the arts.

© 1989National Parent Information Network

Credits: Lilian G. Katz