Control Your Child's TV Viewing

TV is entertaining and some programming is educational, but it is up to you to control what your child watches and for how long.

TV should not interfere with chores, homework, exercise, family time, etc. Children under two should not watch TV and preschoolers should only watch about 2 hours of TV a day. Once children are school age, they can no longer watch TV during the day which is good and when they get home they can watch some TV, but you control it. You decide whether they watch TV before or after eating dinner and doing their homework.

You as a parent or guardian also have to control what they watch. Pay attention to ratings, and watch shows before allowing your child to watch them. Not all parents have the same rules and beliefs. You don't want your child watching something that promotes something your family doesn't allow. If you have to, you can lock your kids out of viewing certain channels or shows according to ratings.

Don't use the TV as a babysitter, your child still needs you even when they are watching TV. They may not understand everything or they might not understand what commercials are. You have to be there to explain things to your child. Never put a TV in your child's room, even with blocked shows settings. A TV in the bedroom can cause them to not get enough sleep or to develop sleep issues.

If it is difficult to limit how much TV your child is watching, then set the example. Limit yourself and your whole family. Eat dinner at the table. Play games, go outside when it is nice. Promote play and physical activities. Also, limit computer time because TVs and computers tend to have the same negative effects on children.

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