The Affects of Television on Children

Ehle- Feedback to Unit 4 Andrea

Feedback to Andrea, unit 4 From Jenna :)

A couple of days ago I was helping babysit my cousin Ella who is two years old. As I was playing with her and her toys, she suddenly - almost robotically - stopped and stared at the television mounted on the wall. Her mouth dropped open, her eyes glazed over, and I knew I had lost her. This always happens when Spongebob Squarepants comes on.

Without a doubt, it perplexes me. At two years old, she doesn't even know what they are talking about, and yet she is laughing and clapping and transfixed. It disappoints me, because I know when she goes home, she'll spend the majority of her time glued to the television with her two older sisters, instead of playing outside or putting a puzzle together.

So, I wonder, just what are the affects of television on a child?

The facts are not too shocking, but nonetheless important. Here's the facts: Children who spend more than 4 hours a day watching tv on a regular basis are more likely to become overweight and children who regularly view violent movies or shows are more likely to act violent toward themselves, their family or their peers. Why do children do this when they are told to be nice? Well, it's simple. Most violent acts committed in television shows and films are by the "good guys". And, duh, little boys and girls want to be a "good guy" so they imitate what goes on in the film in their own life. The average American child will witness 200,000 violent acts on television by age 18.

- violence argument has been treated. Move on to more exciting. 

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