How Television Impacts Children

The debate between those who approve of television for young children and those who do not has raged for decades. Proponents argue that educational television can open doors to literacy and communication. Opponents point to television violence and inappropriate programming and the aggression it is said to promote. Which side is correct? It depends on many factors including the interaction of parents, the age of the child, the content, and the length of viewing. Below are a few facts gleaned from years of research that the Diocese of Orlando is sharing to help parents of students enrolled in schools in Polk County decide if and when television is appropriate for their children.The Positives

• When children watch educational programming, they are more likely to learn reading and math skills than children who do not watch those types of programs.
• Watching a program where a skill is taught, such as growing a plant from a seed, is easier for many children to understand when they see it on television than if they read it in a book. This is especially true for tasks that span a long period of time. Watching a seed germinate, become a recognizable plant, and produce fruit completes a cycle. This is generally too long a process for a 2- or 3-year-old to grasp if you attempt it in your garden.
• If children watch informative programs when they are younger, they tend to watch similar programming as they grow.
• Preschoolers who watch educational programs are less aggressive and tend to have higher grades. They are also more likely to see the value of studying when they reach high school.

The Negatives

• One particular study suggests that the constant background noise of television, even when nobody is watching, can negatively affect listening skills. Dr. Sally Ward, a speech and language expert, studied young children for 20 years and found that those raised with background television noise were less likely to pay attention to anyone speaking if the speaker was in an area that contained background noise. Children who study with a television on in the background are also less likely to retain information.
• The fast-paced programming of television stimulates children to learn visually with plenty of action and colors. When that child enters a classroom, watching one teacher move at a normal pace causes them to lose interest rapidly; their attention spans are much shorter.
• Children who spend more time with a television than with family members tend to have more trouble learning by listening, which is expected in a classroom.

While it is not wise to let your child watch television all afternoon every day, occasionally watching a program together tends to relax your child, and, if they have any questions or comments, the time you spend answering those questions becomes a teaching moment. Balancing television viewing with active play can keep your child well-adjusted and ready to take on the academic challenges of school in Polk County. Contact the Diocese of Orlando at 407-246-4800 for information on education, our Catholic schools, and the role parents play in their children’s schooling.