Parents not only refer their child's physical ailments..........an overall important role in providing the right foundations in life for a child.

Limiting Children's Media Diet

Parents not only refer their child's physical ailments to doctors but lately, the child's behavioral problems as well. Riding on this trend, the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) has recommended that doctors, during routine medical check-ups, inquire about children's use of the media. This will go a long way in helping to identify patterns that can threaten the emotional and physical health of the child.

Many times parents have received complaints from the school about their child's aggressive behavior. Often, this has been referred to the family physician rather than the behavioral psychologist. Says a doctor at the AAP, "You look at the history and then note that the child has not only been sitting in front of the TV for hours watching violent shows but also playing aggressive computer games. At the least, this is something to start with." Says another, "The child could be modeling violent behavior and the parents are unaware of it."

Another related problem is obesity. This problem troubles many parents. After talking to the child, the doctor discovers that the child has similarly spent hours watching TV and video and not getting sufficient exercise. "It's another way where media habits can affect health," says the doctor.

The AAP recommends that two hours of quality TV or video shows a day for older children is sufficient. However, as far as toddlers below two are concerned, the AAP recommends that they should not be allowed to watch any TV. Excessive and indiscriminate media viewing can lead to other side effects and these include repeated aggression with peers or adults, poor grades, frequent nightmares, increased eating of unhealthy foods; and later, smoking, drinking and drug use.

Critics on the other hand are quick to point out that adults should cultivate an overview of parenting rather than attack one aspect: the media. At present, parents seem to be caught up with the material pursuits of life to the extent that they are unable to find sufficient time for other priorities in life. These critics say that if parents could only take stock of the situation and sort out their priorities, then there is a strong likelihood that they would spend more time with their children, supervise them, and watch over their viewing habits.

It is an undeniable fact that much lies in the hands of parents. Although the media has a responsible role to play, the hone plays an overall important role in providing the right foundations in life for a child.

Summary: Doctors have been recommended to ask about children's use of the media because of growing behavioral problems among children. Watching TV and videos for hours and playing aggressive computer games have a harmful effect on children as they tend to model the violent behavior from these programs. In addition, children tend to become obese because of lack of exercise, have frequent nightmares, get poor grades, and eat unhealthy foods. Two hours of quality TV and video viewing are recommended for older children and none for children below two. Parents should play an important role by spending more time with their children and supervising their viewing habits.