| | | | An Argument against Television for Children |
By Seth Mullins 
Studies have shown that in the past few decades, a significant number of American children spent more time in front of a television set than in a classroom. Many of them were free to watch without supervision; in fact, nearly a quarter had sets in their own rooms.
Much has been studies and written about the effects of violent TV shows on the minds of young children. But what has not been scrutinized, as thoroughly, is the impact that even more innocuous programming can have upon the ways that they think and feel. The problem in these cases is not the content but rather the medium itself, which demands that they be passive while bombarded with imagery that they can neither respond to nor be given time to think about and assimilate. Essentially, the television set confronts them with another reality – one that is not responsive to them. It is a world they cannot enter, and where their action and initiative make no difference.
Young children learn primarily through imitation and repetition. This is why routines and rhythm are so important in their early lives. They learn to trust their environment when it responds to them in consistent ways. Television programs confront them with images and sounds that bear no relationship to that environment.
There are, no doubt, many television programs available – especially if one has cable – that are educational in nature. Even the majority of these, however, are more appropriate for kids in their teen years. Many studies made on child cognitive development suggest that too much stress laid upon the intellect can have an adverse effect upon their learning processes. For example, introducing them to reading too early can make them feel indifferent towards it later because they’d failed to connect with the joy of the activity. Children learn naturally by interaction, by actively participating in their environment. We can promote their development best by encouraging hobbies that will engage all of their senses. Too much TV watching conditions them to passivity – i.e., to a state of mind where they’re used to stimulus being served to them and choices being made for them. This exacts a dear cost to their budding imaginations and sense of initiative. Activities that draw upon the inner imagery of their minds – like drawing, painting, clay sculpting, handwork and (once they are in grade school) reading will be much more beneficial for them both mentally and emotionally. Artistic diversions teach children that what is inside themselves can be brought forth into the world. Electronic media puts them into a mode of passively waiting for the world to feed them more stimuli.
Although it has been given the seal of approval by our culture at large, television can dumb our children down by substituting its images for their own inner ones and lulling ‘ their senses to sleep. The more we can curb our kids’ TV watching time and replace it with active and/or creative play the more their imaginations, reasoning abilities and spontaneity will flourish.
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I agree. We weren't allowed to watch much TV growing up and we are ok (so to speak) I think kids watch far too much tv today, not to mention the time they spend playing video games on TV...
ChristineB
I do not have a TV. I have noticed that television viewing reduces my ability to think. This newly published article (below) clearly explains (in detail and with specifics) why television is both an extended form of dream vision and an hallucination. It is most concerning and highly original. It does an excellent job of explaining what television is. Also note that hallucinations involve variable (and relatively unique) images, as does TV. This article makes it plainly and readily apparent that television is far worse for us than we have been led to believe. http://radicalacademy.com/studentrefphilfmd11.htm For further proof, also see: www.psychologistworld.com/dreams/thought_memory_smell.php http://radicalacademy.com/studentrefphilfmd4.htm http://radicalacademy.com/studentrefphilfmd3.htm http://radicalacademy.com/studentrefphilfmd7.htm www.psychologistworld.com/dreams/dreams_time.php On Dreams and Time (This last one is more about dreams, but it is still helpful.) All of these published articles are mine (Frank Martin DiMeglio). Where are our so-called "experts"? What a joke! But it is not funny, not at all. Please help with legislative advocacy on this. Think about the children!
FMDiMeglio
christine your so poor you dont even have a television.datz soo stupid:@@
beckinz
I have proven (in detail and with specifics) that TV is an extended form of dream vision AS waking vision.Frank Martin DiMeglio (author)Television is an Hallucination
FMDiMeglio
Just like anything else, moderation and good judgement is the key to raising good, healthy, and responsible children. My husband and I have raised 4 children of our own and know from experience that there is always good and bad in everything now a days. Choose wisely what they see and get involved in. This is called good parenting, and one day you will either be glad or sad how you raised them. Removing the tv and even the computers or not always the answer. Be the parent and do your job for your kids sake.
Grannyof4
Television is not corrupting our brains. How can one believe that watching a complicated drama is a mere hallucination? Over the past decade, television has become more and more in depth. If a child can comprehend the numerous plots and relationships found on a show such as Lost or 24, could that not help their comprehension of human emotions? The mental capacity that programs such as this require is stretching the limit of the human mind, requiring viewers to pay a greater attention to detail and to ask more questions. This is healthy. Anything that expresses some cognitive development is a positive, and honestly Dora isn't getting the job done any more.
Concerned 16 year old.
wow, I am impressed with that last response. very well said
dianerene
Hmmm, although I am impressed with your thought process I do disagree wholeheartedly. I think the violence, language and plots have become out of hand and have begun to make us (and children) desensitized to it all. I believe this has played a part in the rise in violence amongst young children such as school shootings, bullying etc.
I think young children do know that television isn't real, but if is on TV, to some degree what is on is accepted.
ChristineB
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