Putting Children on a TV Diet

Television – friend or foe? While television possesses some positive qualities, there can be a dark side to this common device. Have you ever been shocked at the content of common television programs? Perhaps the strife in your household can be traced back to television viewing habits. Do you notice a downturn in your children’s behavior after they watch certain programs? If these statements sound familiar, then consider putting your children on a TV diet.

A TV diet is simple. It involves instituting a “no electronics” policy in your household. “No electronics” means no TV, computer, video gaming systems, tablets, or any other type of electronic device. Pull the plug. The only exceptions would be in the case of a school assignment. Beyond that, make all the electronics go dark in your home.

Why go to such drastic measures? The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to allow no television time for children less than two years of age. In addition, they advise no more than one to two hours per day for older children. A 2007 study from Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons concluded that 14-year-olds who watched one or more hours of television daily “were at elevated risk for poor homework completion, negative attitudes toward school, poor grades, and long-term academic failure. Those who watched three or more hours a day were at even greater risk for ‘subsequent attention and learning difficulties,’ and were the least likely to go to college.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that adolescents not have televisions in their bedrooms. Children and teens who have bedroom televisions face the temptation to watch when they should be sleeping. According to the website WebMD, the recommended amount of sleep for elementary children is 10-11 hours per day. Teens should be getting 8-9 hours of sleep per day. To encourage good sleeping habits, create a quiet and relaxing bedroom environment for children. Also make it an electronics-free zone at night. Designate a centrally located spot in your house where all portable electronics must be placed at bedtime.

The reduction of television and electronics time for your children will bring benefits. Time will be created for children to engage in brain-building activities such as creative play, reading, and exercising.  Provide materials and toys that will give children the opportunity to participate in such activities. Engage in family activities that encourage these skills, especially exercise. Spring is right around the corner, and this is a perfect time to get the family outside to participate in physical activity. Walking, jogging, or playing a game in the backyard increases physical activity for the family.

Another way to encourage more family time without electronics is to try a family game night. That may sound old-fashioned, but when the family sits down to play a game together, many skills are employed. For example, family members have to talk to each other. The participants must use strategy to be successful in the game. If it’s a team effort, the members must communicate and collaborate. Some games require drawing, singing, or acting out motions. Vocabulary skills are utilized in certain games, while money and math skills are needed with others. Family members also learn how to be compassionate winners and gracious losers. One game played every night provides a wealth of benefits to everyone involved, kids and parents.

If a TV diet sounds right for your family, you may wonder about the timeframe for such a diet. The appropriate amount of time will depend on your family. For some, a simple day without electronics would be sufficient. For other families, the timeframe might need to be longer, maybe a week. In some cases, you might find that no ending date is required. Tell your children that the ending date is, “to be determined.” Or, a regular day each week could be an “unplugged” day. Pick a day of the week and make it part of your regular routine.

Will your children be unhappy? Of course. As the parent, you must firmly put your earplugs in place and carry on as if you hear nothing. Children will eventually get over the shock of this altered lifestyle.

Our house is currently in the midst of a TV diet, and while my children are not thrilled, they have stopped complaining and moved forward. Lately, we’ve read many books and played plenty of games. My kids have kept busy with the toys that fill their bedrooms, and there’s been a great deal of creative play that’s taken place. The entire family is more cheerful and relaxed. Who knows, at this rate our TV diet may go on indefinitely. If we can do it, so can you!