Watching television is a major activity that influence on children and adolescents. Children in the United states average watch and three to four hours a day. By the time of high school graduation, they will have spent more time watching television than they have in the classroom. Children who watch a lot of television are likely to: have lower grades in school, read fewer books, exercise less, be overweight. Time spent watching television takes away from important activities such as reading, school work, playing, exercise, family interaction, and social development. Children also learn information from television that may be inappropriate or incorrect. They often cannot tell the difference between the fantasies presented on television and reality. They are influenced by the thousands of commercials seen each year, many of which are for alcohol, junk foods, and toys.
Parents can help by doing the following: don’t allow children to watch long blocks of TV, but help them select individual programs. Choose shows that meet the developmental needs of your child. Children’s shows on public TV are appropriate. Set certain periods when the television will be off. Study times are for learning, not for sitting in front of the TV. Make TV viewing an active process for child and parents!
Fill in the table with good and bad sides of watching TV.
Заполните таблицу хорошими и плохими сторонами просмотра телевизора.
Good sides хорошие стороны Bad sides плохие стороны
Good sides
Videos and information on TV make a good impression on children. Shows the need to hate alcohol and harmful substances.
Bad sides
Children who spend a lot of time watching TV have lower grades, eat more, gain weight and read less.