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How Can I Control the Family TV?
| Considering that most kids spend an average of four hours watching TV every day (this includes DVDs and video games), this is a serious question to discuss. The following statistics might tempt parents to throw their TV out the window. |
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• By the age of 18, an average child in America will have seen 200,000 violent acts and 16,000 murders on TV.
• Two-thirds of all programming contains violence.
• 70% of the top 20 most watched shows by teens include sexual content.
• The average child viewer will see 2,000 beer and wine commercials each year, and see many of their favorite characters smoke.
These statistics are shocking. Improper use of TV can result in kids experiencing loss of sleep, poor grades, over-eating, isolation from family and friends, and spending less time with God. But our children aren’t to blame. As the parent of a teenager myself, I believe that it’s our responsibility to be proactive in this area like never before. Our homes don’t have to be a part of the following statistics:
• 63% of households usually have the TV on during meals.
• 51% of households say the TV is on most of the time.
• 68% of kids ages 8-18 have a TV in their bedroom. 37% have cable/satellite TV and 20% have premium channels. These “extras” provide even more opportunities for harmful viewing.
• 53% of 7-12 graders say they have no TV rules.
In spite of all its hazards, TV itself is not evil. In fact, it can be a positive influence if used correctly. It can be educational. It can bring a family together to laugh. And it can stimulate family discussions.
So what do we do with TV? There are two options as I see it. Get rid of the TV altogether, or keep it and set specific limitations.
What Some Families are Doing
I know one family that watches only educational programs. Another won’t watch anything that they themselves would not do. This eliminates programs with violence, substance abuse, swearing, or sexual content. Their thought is, “Why have our kids watch what we’re trying to keep them from doing?” Another family I know sits down at the beginning of each week with a TV guide and highlights the approved programs. Still another family has written the following text on a card and placed it on top of their TV as a guiding principle:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, ASV).
Some Suggested TV Guidelines
1. Decide when the TV stays off. Many families don’t allow TV until homework, music, sports practice, and chores are done.
2. Limit viewing time. Some parents allow TV only on weekends. Others permit thirty minutes to two hours a day.
3. Set a good example. As parents we can’t ask our kids to watch only good programming if we watch the bad.
4. Be an involved parent. Know what your kids are watching. If they’re watching alone, stop and ask what the program is about. Better yet, watch together when possible. Then you can discuss any issues that might come up.
5. Help them find other interests. Rather than spend endless hours in front of the TV, help your children find hobbies or activities to occupy their spare time.
6. Make a pact with other parents. Some of my friends and I have an agreement: when our kids are at the other’s house, they’ll be protected from harmful content.
7. Encourage family time. I’ve discovered that kids still enjoy the simple activities that families did long before there were 100 plus channels on TV. Try turning off the TV and experiment.
Our kids face tough choices between right and wrong every day. What better place than home to teach them how to choose wisely what they watch? Let’s protect them from the TV world of violence, promiscuous sex, and substance abuse. Let’s show them something better.
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