Television — What Children See and Learn

(based on AAP Media Guidelines)



Violence

If your child watches three to four hours of noneducational TV per day, he will have seen about 8,000 murders on TV by the time he finishes grade school. Children who see violence on television may not understand that real violence hurts and kills people. They become numb to violence. If the "good guys" use violence, children may learn that it is okay to use force to solve problems. Studies show that even children's cartoons contain a significant amount of violence.

Research also shows a very strong link between exposure to violent TV and violent and aggressive behavior in children and teenagers. Watching a lot of violence on television can lead to hostility, fear, anxiety, depression, nightmares, sleep disturbances and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is best not to let your child watch violent programs and cartoons.

Sex

Television exposes children to adult behaviors, like sex. But it usually does not show the risks and results of sexual activity. On TV, sexual activity is shown as normal, fun, exciting and without consequences. In commercials, sex is often used to sell products and services. Your child may copy what she sees on TV to feel more grown up.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

Young people today are surrounded by messages that say drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes or cigars are normal activities. These messages do not say that alcohol and tobacco harm people and may lead to death. Beer and wine are some of the most advertised products on television. TV programs and commercials often show people who drink and smoke as healthy, energetic, sexy and successful. It is up to you to teach your child the truth about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Commercials

The average child sees more than 40,000 commercials each year. Commercials are quick, fast-paced and entertaining. After seeing the same commercials over and over, your child can easily remember a song, slogan or catchy phrase. Commercials try to convince your child that having a certain toy or eating a certain food will make him happy or popular. Older children can begin to understand how ads use pictures, music and sound to entertain. Kids need to know that ads try to convince people to buy things they may not need.