With average TV viewing time hovering around 30 hours a week, children are spending more time with their television than with their friends and family. If you are one of the few parents who limits television watching, chances are your child still spends some time in front of the television. Most experts agree that there are good programs that can help your child's development. The challenge is in finding the good stuff for your child to watch on TV.
Choose the Right Show
David Kleeman, Director of the American Center for Children and Media, suggests using the following criteria for selecting TV shows that are good for your child 1.
- Does the program actively engage my child, physically or intellectually?
- Do I respect this program?
- Does my child see others like himself or herself on television?
- How do makers of this program regard my child?
Kid Friendly Networks
There are a number of networks that produce good programming for children of all ages. PBS is at the top of that list. For generations, programs like Sesame Street and Electric Company were part of childhood traditions. The American Center for Children and the Media also recommends these networks for their programming:
- Nickelodeon
- Disney Channel
- Discovery Kids
- HBO Family
- Noggin
- The N
- Sesame Workshop
- HIT Entertainment
- Scholastic Entertainment
Check with review sites who rate children's programming. The mission of one, Common Sense Media (/www.commonsensemedia.org/), is to provide "trustworthy information, education, and an independent voice" about such programing. The website has detailed reviews of programming, organized by age and network.
Like everything else in your child's life, you can improve the experience of watching television by being involved. Discuss topics covered in the show. Do further research on the Internet and at the library. But most important, turn the set off after the show is over.
References
photo by Rakesh Vaghela
