Television and Your Family: Who Controls the Remote Control?

Are you in control of the remote control, or are you far removed from your children’s viewing habits? Studies show that American children spend long hours in front of the television. Even 9-month-old babies view an average of 90 minutes of television per day, and preschoolers watch the TV almost four hours a day.

Experts say 1-year olds should watch just 30 minutes of TV a day.

Dorothy Singer, Co-Director Yale University Family Television Research and Consultation Center

 By the time these children are 18, they’ve seen an average of seven years of television. According to the New York Academy of Medicine, “Children spend more time in front of the television than in school, and nearly as much time as they spend sleeping.” 

What do children learn from all of this viewing? Television shows have a lot of violence, including cartoons for young children — some cartoons contain 70 to 130 violent acts per hour.

Studies show that children get the message — kids who watch more television violence are more aggressive than others their age.

Children who spend hours in front of the TV also have less imagination and creativity, poorer concentration, and lower grades in school. Advertising in children’s programming is also a problem, increasing children’s wants and desires. Meanwhile, TV watching reduces time for active play, resulting in more overweight children. 

Special Challenges for Working Parents

Working parents are especially challenged by the lure of the TV in their family life. The television is a tempting babysitter for children left alone. In addition, it can be an attractive form of family entertainment for parents after a long day at work.

Statistics show that television viewing is the #1 leisure activity for adults. But is this a force you want to put in control of your time? A few strategies can help you take control of the remote control. 

Home Alone

Children home alone while parents are at work need productive activities. This is a good time to get involved in homework, family chores, reading, hobbies, or active play. Help your child develop a list of things he or she can do that are productive and safe. 

Out-of-School Care

Children too young to limit their TV viewing time should probably be in a supervised setting, such as an after-school care program. A child care program may be more affordable than you think. Call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine, 1-800-926-2588, to find out about the Idaho Child Care Program. Alternatively, perhaps your child can spend time with a neighbor or relative when you’re at work. Encourage older children to get involved in sports, clubs, volunteer work, and other adult-supervised activities at school, church, or in the community. 

Family time Together

Children need connectedness and a sense of belonging. When you return from work, take the time to talk together about the day’s events without the intrusion of the television. Extend family time by cooking and eating dinner together, playing a family game, or taking a walk.

You’re in control. Make television a part of your family life, but under your terms. Choose a few TV shows you like as a family and watch them together. Talk together about the values in the shows and how they compare to your family values. 

Take control of the remote control and aim it toward successful family time together.

Article by Shelley Thorpe, MS, Extension Educator, Caribou & Oneida County, UI Cooperative Extension, and Harriet Shaklee PhD, Family Development Specialist, UI Cooperative Extension.