The Health Aspects of Television by Mark B. Levin, M.D. The Pediatric Group, P.A., Princeton

This is the twentythird article in a series written for Princeton Online. Click here for an archive of other articles.

Television is a form of mass media that revolutionized communications. Unfortunately, it has revolutionized us, as well. It has grown to occupy our leisure time more than any other form of entertainment. It has pervaded our lives to the extent that we often think of it as benign., if we think about it at all. Many of us will fall asleep to the drone of the TV. We will often keep the TV on while we do other chores, even though we are not actually paying attention to it.

Our children learn from us to use the TV to occupy their leisure time. Certainly, TV has its value -- educational programming and news and weather broadcasts. Television, however, has been shown to promote a sedentary life style and allocation of time away from other more productive activities. It offers artificial views of life in the absence of a parental value set and pummels children with advertising. Shows that depict scenarios reflecting actual life situations can be valuable teaching tools, provided the TV watcher is in the presence of an adult who helps him or her interpret what (s)he sees. Since the themes presented on TV pervade society, our children will experience them sooner or later. Allowing a child to watch TV alone, or using the TV as a baby sitter, gives carte blanche permission to your child to learn what the TV writers deem important in the absence of your value set.

Many psychological studies have demonstrated that parents can have the primary influence on their child’s developing values. The parent need only be there to express these values by communication and example. The values espoused by television are corrupted by the desire to attract audiences for the benefit of paying sponsors. Danger, sex, violence and controversy are what sells. During commercials, you can take the opportunity to review with your child the educational or nutritional benefits (or lack thereof) of the advertised product.

We encourage our children to exercise and eat a healthy diet. Although some enterprising people have come up with apparatus that allows adults to walk a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle while watching TV or a video tape, our young children watch TV without these enhancements. Children should spend their time in more creative or educational activities rather than sitting in front of the television. What can we do as parents to minimize the negative impact of TV on our children while still allowing them to derive the benefits? Here are a few ideas:

• Schedule regular times to go outdoors with your child to get exercise for him or her (or you). If the weather is too adverse, have a back up plan for exercise in your home (dancing or toddler calisthenics) or elsewhere (toddler activities at a YMCA/YWCA/YMHA/YWHA, a toddler gym, etc.).
• Plan other challenging activities: songs, drawing, coloring and puzzles are all fun and educational for a toddler. Stores that sell educational toys and games have their wares segregated by age to make it easy for parents to select appropriate materials for their child. -Libraries often have a story time when readers present selected books for children. Play dough, clay, finger paints and bathtub water play all help children enhance their coordination, fine motor skills and creativity. Role playing with toy vehicles and dolls allows children to express themselves.
• Older children can become involved in sports, clubs, homework cooperatives, baby-sitting or community service projects (see Princeton Online\Volunteer ops).

Encourage your child to take from TV what is necessary and even that “with a grain of salt”. Limit TV watching to a maximum of 1 hour per day, with you at his or her side. Institute a habit of interacting with your child in other forums that have more educational and developmental value. You will find your child better for it and your parenting experience more rewarding.

© The Pediatric Group February, 2000 All Rights Reserved

Dr. Mark B. Levin 

Dr. Levin has been a member of the staff at The Pediatric Group since 1977. Currently an attending Pediatrician at the Medical Center at Princeton, he has been Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Center at Princeton, 1984 to 1986, 1989 to 1992, and past President, Medical and Dental Staff, Medical Center at Princeton, 1987 to 1988. Dr. Levin has served on numerous Departmental and hospital committees. He has published original articles both while at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse and at The Pediatric Group. He has a wife and three children. Dr. Levin enjoys alpine skiing, jogging, hiking and camping, travel, computers and racquetball.