American children spend an average of 6 hours, 32 minutes each day watching TV or using other media (including the Internet, videotapes, video games, and radio). But TV isn't what it used to be. While experts concur that television can entertain and inform, many programs may have an undeniably negative influence on childhood behavior and values. When I was a kid, the television was filled with wholesome television shows like Family Ties or the Facts of Life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a child who watches three to four hours a day of noneducational TV will see about 8,000 small-screen murders by the time he or she completes grade school. There are more than 100 channels available via cable in most American homes. Don't buy them games with violent content and check out their latest music selection. That's more time than China Heavy Duty Wire Cutters Wholesale they devote to any other activity except sleep, according to the AAP.

It is frightening to think about how violence and sexual images are part of our childrens' landscape. So, how can we still let movies, television and video games be part of the lives of our children? We have to pay attention to exactly what they are watching, listening to, and exposed to. Parents barely gave a second thought when their youngsters spent a couple hours in front of the television. Explain to them why you are making the decision you are making and most importantly, stick to your guns. That's unsettling news for parents and pediatricians alike. This is within our control as parents. When I was a kid, the television was filled with wholesome television shows like Family Ties or the Facts of Life. Mitigating the negative impact may be as simple as being involved in the decision making process. According to child psychiatrist Michael Brody, MD, most parents don't even spend that much time with their children.

There are hundreds of studies showing a connection between violence on TV and its impact on children -- from aggressive behavior to sleep disturbances. No means no. Don't allow them to watch movies with excessive violence. But TV isn't what it used to be. While this can be oftentimes the hardest part of the equation, it will pay off, I promise!. Parents barely gave a second thought when their youngsters spent a couple hours in front of the television. A Surgeon General's report last year concluded that 61% of all TV programming contains violence." Television has a very big influence, and a lot of it is negative. There are more than 100 channels available via cable in most American homes and much of the programming is shocking to those of us that grew up on cookie cutter family television shows such as the Brady Bunch or the Cosby Show."