Children And Television: The Positive and Negative Effects of Media

Television plays a significant role in the lives of young people, exerting a powerful influence on their development. In this article, we will explore the positive and negative effects of television on children.

Impact of television on kids

Each age group has its unique way of perceiving and responding to what they see on the screen. Here's how television effects children at different stages:

•  0-24 months: Babies don't understand what they see on TV, can't distinguish characters, and don't remember the events. Their attention is captivated by the changing colors and sounds.

• 2-3 years old: Children enthusiastically watch TV but may not fully comprehend whether the events are real or imaginary. At this age, they are particularly drawn to cartoons and can spend hours watching them.

• 4-6 years old: TV images become more tangible for children. They easily remember cartoon characters, identify with them, engage with the storylines, and enjoy learning songs or dialogues. Television starts to play a significant role in their leisure time.

• 6-8 years old: Children develop critical thinking skills and the ability to filter content. They can choose specific channels and programs to watch and draw logical conclusions based on what they see.

•  9 years and older: At this stage, TV is often watched in the background, with attention focused only on certain moments or programs. Internet usage tends to capture the interests of this age group.

Also: Digital Detox For Kids: How Much Screen Time Should Kids Have

The Positive Impact of Television on Children

Now, let's explore the good effects of television on children.

1. Accelerated learning

Through cartoons and educational programs, children can learn subjects like math, foreign languages, and spelling in a fun and engaging way. This knowledge is naturally absorbed and retained in their memory.

2. Vivid representation of the world

Television provides a vibrant illustration of the world. Watching educational channels such as National Geographic or Animal Planet enriches children's understanding of the diversity of nature. The beauty of the natural world sparks curiosity, encourages further exploration, and inspires a desire to learn more.

3. Distraction and relaxation

Television can serve as a calming tool for children. After a stimulating or energetic activity, watching TV can help them relax, divert their attention, and prepare for sleep.

The Negative Impact of Television on Children

Now, let's discuss the negative effects of television on children.

1. Fatigue

Frequent scene changes, energetic soundtracks, and the ups and downs of characters on the screen can be mentally exhausting for children. Psychologically, watching TV for an hour is equivalent to two hours of intense play with other children. If a child spends 2-3 hours in front of the TV, the level of fatigue increases exponentially. This can manifest as a state of numbness, tearfulness, nervous tension, or overexcitement.

2. Passivity

Children perceive TV as a source of entertainment that requires no effort on their part. Compared to activities like riding a bicycle, playing chess, or engaging in sports, watching TV demands minimal effort. Consequently, children often choose TV as their preferred leisure activity. Regularly spending leisure time in front of the TV can negatively impact a child's socialization, physical activity, and mental engagement.

Also: What To Do When Your Child Refuses To Go To School

3. Distorted perception of reality

What are the effects of television on children and youth? Kids under 4–5 years old often struggle to differentiate between fictional events on the screen and real-life situations. They can be genuinely surprised, amused, or frightened by what they see, as if it were happening in front of them. Consequently, exaggerated TV images can shape a child's worldview. They may genuinely believe that jumping from a height won't result in injury, or that they can perform unrealistic feats like lifting a refrigerator with one hand or consuming a bag of sweets without consequences.

What are the other impacts of television on child development? It can have physiological consequences, including:

• Impaired speech development.

• Reduced visual acuity.

• Poor posture and fine motor skills.

• Underdeveloped muscle mass.

How to Minimize the Negative Impact of Television on Children

If you're concerned about the negative effects of television on your child, here are eight tips to help mitigate those impacts:

1. Follow WHO recommendations: Limit screen time based on age — up to 3 years old, no TV; 3–7 years old, 30 minutes; 7–10 years old, 50 minutes; 11–18 years old, 3 hours.

2.  Filter content: Restrict access to news, aggressive or negative programs, stressful events, mystical stories, and explicit scenes. Utilize parental controls and technical features to choose appropriate TV content.

3. Offer alternatives: Broaden your child's intellectual horizons by encouraging reading, family activities, board games, and engaging leisure pursuits. Strive to create an environment where the allure of TV and gadgets is balanced by other activities. As French theater critic Georges Elgozy once wrote, "Two of the greatest inventions in history: printing, which seated us with books, and television, which pulled us away from them." Let books win in the battle for your child's attention.

4. Monitor viewing distance: Optimal distance is around 2 meters. As the screen size increases, children should sit farther away to avoid straining their necks. Watching TV while lying down should be avoided.

5. Foster critical thinking: Teach children how the television industry operates, how films and cartoons are made, and the purpose of advertising. Explain why blind trust in what happens on-screen can be misleading in real life. Encourage them to question and analyze what they see, discussing any tricks or inconsistencies and drawing logical conclusions.

6. Engage with the content: Watch movies and educational programs with your child. Fill in any gaps in understanding or information after viewing. Show your child that TV is not just for entertainment, but can also be a means of self-education.

7. Lead by example: Set a positive example by monitoring your own TV usage. If the TV in your household is constantly on, it's no surprise that your child will be inclined to watch it all day.

8. Limit TV channels: Many families choose not to own a TV or only use it for movies, documentaries, and educational programs, without connecting to cable networks.

In summary, the impact of television on children can be compared to sweets or junk food. If used in moderation and with attention to quality, it can have some benefits. The key is to strike a balance, avoid excessive consumption, and actively guide children's media experiences. When used appropriately, the achievements of civilization, including television, can enhance our children's lives and our own.