How much TV should children watch?

Question

I'm I being to strict? I only allow my 9 & 8 year old to watch tv 1-2 hours a day, even on the weekends. If I let them they would watch it ALL day long. Sometimes I feel real bad because they seem bored they can't find anything else to do. We live in a nice area they could go play outside, they have bikes, skates, scooters, heely's, everything you could possibly think of yet when I tell them to go play outside its like a punishment for them. Inside they are limited 1 hour of video games as well. They have toys, board games, and puzzles but I still feel bad when I see them walking around the house bored. They both play soccer so that takes most of our Saturday but the first thing they want to do is watch tv when they get home. Should I let them watch more TV?

Answer 1

One thing some parents don't consider in the decision is that it is also fact that TV is like a magnet to many children, even babies. I'm not sure about a definite decision, but consider this, for children, I think tv is an unnecessary evil in that it is like addictive. So with an addictive substance, do we just let them have a little or none at all or ????? Then they develop a habit of TV and as they grow older they watch many shows on their own and if you truely look at most programs on TV, there's not much out there that's too good. I have 155 channels and I can surf for a long time as an adult before I find anything decent. The other thing to think about is that after kids have held their attention with video games and active TV, how "entertaining" or interesting is their classroom teacher going to be, will they tune her/him out ? Yes. Unless the teacher is Robin Williams,they will have a very hard time keeping the child's attention when comparing it to the liveliness of TV animation etc. Just some thoughts, I'm not anti TV except for the brain damage it can cause in children under 2. If you don't believe me, do some online research and why are they now introducing interactive games for under 2 yr olds involving the TV ?? creating a craving for TV ? to make more money and get those babes addicted to "video baby games" so they will step right into the larger market of teen games ?

Answer 2

I think that it's great that you limited the amount of television your children watch. By limiting the amount, you are allowing them to be more active. Also the media shows things that you wouldn't want your children to be learning/seeing about. I know that you feel bad not letting your children watch TV or play video games, but the amount of time you give them is plenty of time to relax and have fun sitting down doing something that is not really "healthy". It's not good to watch TV/video games for too long because it strains the eye. Once they start getting older, they will have so much more things to do and when that time comes, I think that it would be wise for you to make them do ALL of their homework/projects/chores before they can watch TV. If you don't, (i know from experience) they will end up not doing it or if they will be staying up really late into the night (This will also teach them discipline and time management). So keep on doing what you are doing...your children will later appreciate it.

Answer 3

Don't feel bad about it, I think it's great. Have you seen how many fat kids there are? Future diabetics and heart attack victims. My kids watch one hour a day, tops. To give them some part in the process, of course we let them choose what they watch. The only time they watch longer is when we get some DVDs or something. The rest of the time they're doing homework, playing outside, walking the dogs etc... You know; things that kids should be doing.

Answer 4

I think that's a very reasonable amount for that age group to be watching. Maybe on weekends you could up it an hour just so your kids don't become TV-holics once you're not in charge of it. Otherwise I think you're being fair. Kids don't need to watch more than 2 hours a day on a school day.

Answer 5

2 or 3 because tv will be bad for the head but that should be on school days. weekends 4 or 5 but if you have 2 kids they wont always decide on a show so do something about that if its descovery then a lot of hours but cartoon network not long

Answer 6

I'm with you 1-2 hrs of screen time. Whether it is computer, games or tv. they are old enough to read to do puzzles play board games together and go outside. You are a good parent

Answer 7

my parents let me watch alot of tv and i get A's and B's and during the summer i go outside alot i would let them watch more tv people think tv is the worst thing for kids i think it helps there imagination and as for tv restrictions i watch realworld and jack *** when i was 10 and it was not the end of the world iam not out there mimicking the tv jumpping of the roof and having sex. my friend who had 2 tvs in her house and parents were really strict and cencered everything is in highschool snicking around school with boys and may possable be smoking
i think tv is fine

Answer 8

In my opinion, make up a time called tv time. Let them pick only 1-3 of their favorite tv shows When they pick their show, that's when they can watch it, no time else. It works with my kids! If you have direct tv or a timer, the t.v can shut off by itself for a certain time set.

Answer 9

If they must watch TV try to get them to watch something educational. Teach them by example. If you are home and you are not busy play games with them. That way they learn from you and not a box.

Answer 10

MAKE A CHART WITH TIMES AND DATES... IF ONE WANTS TO WATCH A HANNAH MONTANA EPISODE THEN MARK HER DOWN ON THE TIME AND CHANNEL AND SO ON. BUT IF THEY EXCEED THERE LIMIT (3 HOURS) THEN THEY WILL PAY YOU $.25 A TV SHOW IF THEY ARE OVER THE LIMIT AND KEEP IT WITH ROLLOVER SO IF THEY DONT WATCH TV FOR THREE DAYS THEY CAN USE THAT EXTRA 12 HOURS WHEN EVER THEY WANT!