According to guidelines from psychologists, children under 2 years old should not watch TV, while older children should limit their viewing to no more than 1 to 2 hours a day.
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(Image: BBC) |
TV programs and videos can confuse children under 3 years old as they are still learning to distinguish between what is real and what is not. Additionally, some shocking images can contribute to anxiety and fear during a child’s psychological development.
Benefits of Watching TV:
– Television broadens children’s intellectual horizons, introducing them to music, ideas, countries, and cultures from around the world.
– It helps young children develop cognitive skills related to shapes, colors, counting, and literacy. Furthermore, it can inspire them to seek additional knowledge from books.
– Television stories can provide effective ways to express emotions and resolve conflicts. They also enhance positive social values such as kindness, proper behavior, and altruism.
– TV provides social advantages for children, especially in school settings.
Drawbacks of Watching TV:
– Television takes away valuable time that children need to explore the world and their surroundings independently.
– It drains children’s natural energy.
– It can contribute to obesity, as children may eat snacks while watching TV.
– Children are exposed to a barrage of advertisements, which they may not fully understand, leading to confusion about the truthfulness of these ads.
Advice for Parents:
– Set strict limits on the amount of TV time allowed each day. Play, reading, listening to music, sports, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and social interactions are all essential aspects of a child’s comprehensive education.
– Be a role model for your children. Let them see you studying, reading, listening to music, and engaging in activities that do not involve TV.
– Avoid snacking and having meals in front of the TV.
– Choose age-appropriate and developmentally suitable programs for children.
– Video recordings are advantageous as they can be watched at suitable times for everyone, allowing parents to be proactive alongside their children, encouraging discussions, and enhancing their understanding.
– Avoid keeping the TV on all day. Turn off the TV immediately after the program ends.
– Do not place a TV in children’s bedrooms.