A new study suggests "television viewing by children
at age 1 and at age 3 increases their risk of having
an attention disorder by the time they are 7."
Well, duh. Ya think?
Researchers at the University of Washington "looked at
the records" of more than 2,500 children who
participated in a long-term health study. What did
they find? Children who watch television at a very
young age "risk having an attention problem by 9
percent for every hour of television watched a day."
Scary numbers. However, we can just throw them in the
garbage because the researchers at the University of
Washington "relied upon the reports of parents and
their child's viewing habits." Furthermore, "the
study used a measure of attention problems that
indicates, but does not confirm, ADHD."
So there you have it. Another round of let's blame
the chosen television viewing habits of children, not
on the parents or the children themselves, but on an
alleged disorder called ADHD.
We don't need studies to tell us that if you basically
use the television as a babysitter for children or as
glue to keep the family together, attention issues are
the least of your problems. Your child is going to
grow up to be a few sandwiches sort of a picnic. And
quite frankly, lack the one thing children need more
than anything else.
What's the one thing? Discipline. Remember this? My
motto to parents is: discipline, no television, no
kidding.
Believe me, some children have become so attached to
the television, and parents have become such pals with
their children, the television becomes a part of who
the child is. Children and teens use the television
as a safety blanket to cover them up from the rigors
of abstract thinking.
This is extremely sad. I think some children who are
perhaps 13 and older have chosen ignorance so
completely with their own parents doing nothing to
stop dangerous trends, the child dependent on
television needs to see their parents actually throw
the television out the window. No kidding. Broken
glass? Who cares. A mess to clean up? Okay. Young
minds are on the line, afraid to exit their comfort
zone through reading, discussion and abstract
thinking.
If you think I am the one who is a few sandwiches sort
of a picnic, consider the premise that parenting
styles can either make or break a child's view on
discipline. Follow this real life scenario played out
in homes accross America every day.
A child in the 8th grade has once again brought home
horrible grades despite being in no activities and
having parents "willing" to help. As a form of
discipline, the television is taken out of the child's
room. However, this form of discipline means
different things to each parent and the child at hand.
To one parent, the television coming out of the
bedroom means no television whatsoever for a specific
amount of time until the child reaches specific goals.
To the other parent (and child), the television coming
out of the bedroom means television can be watched -
in the living room. The child can even watch shows
like Average Joe and the Bachelor because the child
watched these shows with one of the parents before
bringing home horrible grades.
Parents must understand that children have the
capacity to choose ignorance. Ignorance is largely a
choice. It's often a result of choosing not to think
and living a discipline-free life. You know, children
used to exercise and study. Then, watch "some"
television. Today, children have a better
relationship with their "own" television than with
their parents and peers.
Discipline, no television, no kidding. This motto
has a real chance to save families. Will it? Or do
more televisions need to be unplugged and share space
with the great outdoors?
Zizza serves as Vice President/Georgia of
Parents For
Label and Drug Free Education.
He writes frequently about parenting issues.
Email comments to him at:
tz777@yahoo.com
