Is TV Bad For Children? Not Always

Even though many experts are of the opinion that TV viewing is harmful for kids especially the very young ones, recent studies say that if timings and proper selection of programs is done, it can turn out good. This would make the child more attentive, aware and gain a lot of knowledge in diverse fields. For kids who have English as their second language or who have mother with less than a high-school education, TV viewing made them score high in reading and general knowledge.

Benefits of TV viewing on kids

1.     

   Learn about a variety of subjects

There are lots of TV shows, educational DVDs and movies through which your child can either develop interest in different subjects or make the subject stronger in which she has interest. The only thing one has to keep in mind is that they watch the programs that are suitable for their age and are entertaining as well as educational for kids in true sense.

2.    

     Get an opportunity to explore

When viewing TV programs, kids get an opportunity to see places, animals, things and people from different parts of the world. They come to know about the natural habitat of animals and the environment in which different kinds of people live.

3.       

   Develop and get inspired to try new activities

Children learn a lot and very easily when they see someone else doing the same thing. So, when kids see their favourite characters learning something, they feel like learning the same thing. There are some shows designed for pre-schoolers and they are very effective for generating ideas for learning different activities and this they do by using characters to motivate kids.

4.       

   Can inculcate reading habit in kids

Some TV shows and movies motivate kids to read books. There are many new movie releases every year that are based on books. Parents can ask kids to read the book before taking them to the theatre and in this way kids will figure out how interesting reading can be.

5.       

   Helps learning English language

For children with English as their second language and those who have mothers either less than high-school educated or whose mothers are educated in vernacular medium, programs in English are very helpful. These shows and programs help them learn the language and enhance their general knowledge as well. 

6.     

      Helps in building analytical skills

When kids are viewing shows, they participate in contributing their ideas on what would happen next in the show. They also come up with different types of consequences of specific act.

7.       

   Positive influence on kids by good role models

Children are influenced by seeing kids and other people do something. If they watch good TV shows they can get motivated for healthy living, nutritional eating and have environmental awareness.

Media can have positive impact on kids provided their TV viewing is properly monitored. The shows should be enriching and not damaging. However, caregivers at Buds2blooms engage themselves in children’s TV viewing so they can be purveyors of additional information and help them get apt answers to their queries.