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Parent Tip of the Week: Media, Games and Physical Effects

For most of us, watching TV happens to be on our list of “favorite things to do.” But as a result, our young ones are heavily exposed to bad media, including adult TV shows, horror movies and inappropriate music lyrics, to name a few. Because of its color, excitement and graphic images, such media can have a strong influence on children. Read on and learn the effects that TV, video games and the news can have on your child and some ways you can monitor what your children watch and play with.

There a number of great age-appropriate TV shows that all kids should enjoy. However, remember that certain TV shows can…

Lead to aggressive behavior
Terrify children
Provide violent heroes to imitate
Show that violence is okay

Limit the amount of time that your child spends in front of the TV set. Overexposure to TV can lead to…

Less use of imagination
Less direct contact with other people
Less pretend play

Children love video games because they are fun and exciting. Some are even educational. Take part in carefully selecting video games for your child, as some video games can cause…

“Fight or flight” response to stress
Adrenaline-fueled body
Hypervigilance (a state of anxiety that can lead to exhaustion)
Excitement, stress and a feeling of being burned-out
Emotional shutdown
Reaction without thinking
Low level of thinking

It is important to understand that certain programs are not for young children. For instance, the news is one example because it can cause a child to…

Lose a sense of safety
Lose a sense of emotional and social well-being
Misunderstand the logic and motives of what is being shown
Focus on aspects of what is mainly seen or heard
Relate what they see and hear to what they know

Here are some more tips to keep in mind when trying to monitor what your child watches or plays with:

Follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of not letting children under the age of 2 years watch TV.
Limit the number of hours per day your children can spend with TV, video games and the computer.
Allow TV and video games only after homework and family responsibilities are done.
Keep TV, computer and video games out of bedrooms so you can supervise your children.
Tell your children what shows and games they can and cannot watch or play – and explain why.
Watch TV or play video games with your children as much as possible.
Tell your children to talk to you when they are scared, confused or afraid about something they saw on TV or in a movie.
Avoid giving violent toys to your children or others.

Have a tip you want to share? E-mail Frances Platt at PlattF@mhawestchester.org with your Parent Tip of the Week!

This material has been adapted by MHA from materials of the ACT (Adults and Children Together Against Violence) program developed by the American Psychological Association (APA), a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States.

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