Tv And Children Essay, Research Paper
Throughout the last century parents have searched for various systems to entertain their children in a method that will bring positive effects. These forms of entertainment maintain a broad variety of arrangements. Home books have been used for ages as a way to learn reading and to build vocabulary. Educational computer games have also contributed to the progress of technology. In addition, learning games such as Hooked on Phonics help with the development of reading and writing. A more recent method has been the increasing use of television. Daytime television is filled with programs for children. When television was first introduced in 1930 a growth of controversy was created. At that time, even a lipstick commercial was considered revealing and offensive. This controversy accompanies an obvious question: is television a useful teaching source or a foundation for corruption? As with any arguable issue, this question brought clashing views. Proponents argue that Television can distract children and take away from the learning process (Winn 45). They also say that it
can evoke violent behavior (Barry 215). Opponents state that children will pay attention and learn faster from watching television (Anderson 52). They also deny the relation between television and violence (Chapman 147). Sadly, direct connections have been proved relating television with violence. Many children fail to focus on appropriate shows and become confused by such topics as sex and violence. As the nation becomes more tolerant to violence and sex displayed on television, the corruption of children by it is an inevitable result.
Admittedly, kids do pay attention while watching television. They are cooperative and readily absorb information. The method of using television, if used correctly, can be more effective than some schooling. Television can be used as a form of education and wholesome entertainment. The fact that children actively think about television indicates that television can be an effective tool for education, an idea supported by a good deal of research. (Anderson 51 & 52)
However, too much time in front of the television could create a physically unfit community of children. As a result,
children would have a limited knowledge of nature. Also, lack of physical ability could produce a dent in the success of school sports and athletics. Consequently, a deficiency of creativity would be developed. As a result, children would have a loss of writing and problem-solving skills. Overall, turning on the television set can turn off the process that transforms children into people (Winn 45).
It is also true that television has recently been improving. The programs have become less bloody and graphic. Also, a system of censorship has developed to block out offensive material. However, juvenile crime rates continue to climb. This fact is proof that there is no connection between television and violence. Statistics show that violent shows are watched for entertainment and not to be repeated (Chapman 147).
Although, every child absorbs, and to a certain level, repeats what they see (Winn 50). As a result, children display violence and sexual confusion. They do not yet know right
from wrong; therefor, they need help with understanding these issues. If these issues aren t explained, as in many cases, the child will have confusion and will exhibit violence. A troubled child that displays confusion and violence has a much greater chance of becoming a criminal later in life (Barry 216).
Granted, other countries have television with few problems. A lot of countries have imported our TV series; few of them our crime rate (Chapman 147). Some countries, such as England, don t force censorship. However, they still have less crime. Furthermore, lawlessness has no obvious connection to TV. Also, it should be expected for parents to have some monitoring responsibility.
Nevertheless, corruption from television does occur in other countries. When television was introduced in Canada,
researchers saw an immediate change in crime rates. This change continued to occur causing crime rates to grow one hundred percent in twenty-five years. This change was
monitored so closely because of the change when television was introduced in the United States (Barry 216).
Finally, and most importantly, children act out what they like or what is amusing to them. One potentially harmful television show is the series Beavis and Butt-head . The best-known incident involving Beavis and Butt-head was reported in October, 1993, when an Ohio woman said that her five-year-old son set a fire that killed his two-year-old sister after watching Beavis and Butt-head set fires on their television show (Judge 67). Because this particular episode had good ratings, it stayed on the air. Another example is the variety of pro wrestling programs. Children act out the moves and get hurt in fake matches. They also repeat profanity and obscene gestures displayed by the wrestlers.
As a result of the mimicking nature displayed by children in beginning learning stages, television has proved to be harmful. Television can be a harmful source of entertainment, and is an unreliable source for teaching.
Parents concerned with this issue should establish a position, and understand the possible results. The obvious flaws in the American television system are why television habits and programming should be monitored.