When the television parents your child for you
May 09, 2004
Recently, I watched in shock as two boys played shooting game in the neighborhood. With sticks held in their hands the boys chased each other. It immediately dawned on me that the brief drama I was watching was a product of those small boxes in our sitting rooms- the television.
Recently, I watched in shock as two boys played shooting game in the neighborhood. With sticks held in their hands the boys chased each other. It immediately dawned on me that the brief drama I was watching was a product of those small boxes in our sitting rooms- the television.
The holiday is here and I guess you have noticed how inseparable your child is from that metallic box. As much as we sometimes use it to baby-sit our children (or is it keeping them busy?) few parents know the danger of the TV.
Television possesses and colonises the child mentally. Any activity that absorbs a large portion of a child’s time will influence his or her character. Some researchers believe that television is a ‘school’ of violence, which teaches children that crime is not reprehensible, but a great adventure. Is your child in love with cartoons? Cartoons often deceptively portray violent elements as fun. Gary Mckay in his book Raising a Responsible Child, notes that continued viewing of violence may retard a child’s awareness of the consequences of violence in real life. The child begins to view aggression as proper and ‘fashionable’. Yes, TV can negatively influence your child’s personality and character. Every time your child views scenes of violence it forms an impression on his/her mind which when repeated will determine a habit and habits crystallise into character. Be aware that television is unconsciously shaping your child’s character everyday. There are educative programmes on the television although some children are not interested in them. They enjoy the sounds of gunshots and the violence exhibited in wrestling.
Nancy Van Pelt notes in her book Train Up a Child, portrayals of crime and violence arouse an appetite for violence reinforces it when it is present and blurs a child’s consciousness that it is wrong.
l Let your child rank the programmes he/she wishes to watch from the most favourite to the least favourite. If the most favourite programmes display explicit scenes of violence then act before it gets out of hand.
l Discuss this issue with your child and make an agreement on the types of programmes to be watched, when and how long. If possible, sign an agreement to that effect.
l Do not simply banish television without providing adequate substitutes.
The greatest thing you can share with your child is yourself and your time. If you become too busy, TV will parent your child for you. Would you allow that box to parent your child this holiday? If yes, then be prepared to have a violent child who beats and snatches things from others. Till next week, remain good parents.
jamesawagwau@yahoo.com
077-631032
The holiday is here and I guess you have noticed how inseparable your child is from that metallic box. As much as we sometimes use it to baby-sit our children (or is it keeping them busy?) few parents know the danger of the TV.
Television possesses and colonises the child mentally. Any activity that absorbs a large portion of a child’s time will influence his or her character. Some researchers believe that television is a ‘school’ of violence, which teaches children that crime is not reprehensible, but a great adventure. Is your child in love with cartoons? Cartoons often deceptively portray violent elements as fun. Gary Mckay in his book Raising a Responsible Child, notes that continued viewing of violence may retard a child’s awareness of the consequences of violence in real life. The child begins to view aggression as proper and ‘fashionable’. Yes, TV can negatively influence your child’s personality and character. Every time your child views scenes of violence it forms an impression on his/her mind which when repeated will determine a habit and habits crystallise into character. Be aware that television is unconsciously shaping your child’s character everyday. There are educative programmes on the television although some children are not interested in them. They enjoy the sounds of gunshots and the violence exhibited in wrestling.
Nancy Van Pelt notes in her book Train Up a Child, portrayals of crime and violence arouse an appetite for violence reinforces it when it is present and blurs a child’s consciousness that it is wrong.
l Let your child rank the programmes he/she wishes to watch from the most favourite to the least favourite. If the most favourite programmes display explicit scenes of violence then act before it gets out of hand.
l Discuss this issue with your child and make an agreement on the types of programmes to be watched, when and how long. If possible, sign an agreement to that effect.
l Do not simply banish television without providing adequate substitutes.
The greatest thing you can share with your child is yourself and your time. If you become too busy, TV will parent your child for you. Would you allow that box to parent your child this holiday? If yes, then be prepared to have a violent child who beats and snatches things from others. Till next week, remain good parents.
jamesawagwau@yahoo.com
077-631032