Preschoolers Watching Television

Preschoolers Watching Television

• Most children watch some TV. When they watch their bodies are still but their minds are busy. Young children get information, ideas and values from television.
• Compare how many hours your children spend eating, playing, helping and going out with time spent watching TV. Parents need to make sure that their children's TV time is balanced with other activities.
• Many of the shows children watch are made for adults.
• Young children are working out what is real and what is fantasy and TV can sometimes confuse them. You should also be mindful of the effects of violent shows on children.
• Parents have a responsibility to know what their children are watching and that it is appropriate to their age and understanding.
• What can you do?
  • Plan family viewing.
  • Include children in deciding what to watch.
  • Limit viewing and offer alternatives.
  • Talk about the programs.
  • Help your child to be critical of what they watch.
  • Encourage them to turn the TV off.
  • Be a good role model - if there's nothing worth watching turn it off.
• TV should only be a small part of your child's weekly life. If you are with them when they watch you can help make it a positive learning experience by discussing the programs with them.

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

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