Being and Early Childhood Education major, I am always really interested in articles like that. Even if it is well known that TV and video games are a negative influence on children, it makes me sad to realize that it is becoming a danger.
I understand that sometimes working parents need a break and the TV can be used as a “babysitter”, but this should never become a habit and never for prolonged amounts of time.
The solution, as often, starts with role modeling. If the parents use TV and even video games as their main form of relaxation and entertainment, this will clearly send a strong message. Parents should get motivated, if not for they for their children, to limit their own time on the screen. They should pick a book instead, which, is a much more active way to get lost into a story or another world. This will send a message that reading is for pleasure, not for homework.
Of course I understand that It is not easy, especially for parents that work all day, but it would be great to try to do it for a better future of the children.
Reading does not address the risk of obesity, but it’s a valid alternate. For the rest, parents and teachers should promote and model active lifestyles. For example when I was young, in Rome we used to have a dog and walks for the pet became a family habit, something to do together, a way to explore new neighborhood and talk about things.
I think that children should not be allowed to have their own computers in their room. That way it is harder for a parent to really see how much time is spent in front of the screen. The PC should be in the family room or even in the kitchen.
Last, to help parents take the matter into their own hand, I believe there should me more ads and TV commercial education the crowds about this important matter and its long-term consequences.
