The Detrimental Effects Television Can Have on Children

Claire Rauser Psychology 223 Kelly Mutter November 14, 2012

Since its introduction in the 1950s, the medium of television has exploded in both popularity and influence and most homes in the world have at least one television. In this paper, I will show through research the detrimental effects watching television can have on young children. First, I will talk about how childrens programming affects a childs health and development negatively. Next, I will discuss how watching TV can cause cognitive delay and its effect on a childs performance in school. Finally, I will address the issue of how some violent childrens programming can influence aggressive behaviour in the child. Though certain television programs certainly have educational aspects and are beneficial to a childs development, there are many negative effects of watching television that are harmful to a childs healthy development that parents should be aware of. Watching excessive amounts of television can influence the proper development and health of children negatively, and according to Bellieni, Fontani, Corradeschi, Iantorno, Maffei, Migliorini, & Buonocore (2010), watching television can have powerful effects on the health of children as the time spent sitting in front of the TV reduces physical activity which can lead to issues such as obesity and disease. Dixon, Helen, Scully, Wakefield, White & Crawford (2007), state that childhood obesity has increased a great deal in recent decades because of the increased influence of the medium of television. This is a very dangerous trend because overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults and experience diseases associated with obesity such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers. According to Dixon et al. (2007), obesity problems in children were looked at by researchers and it was found that watching television for an extended amount of time is the most important factor. Dixon et al. also explained how longitudinal research has shown that there is a direct relationship between the amount of time spent watching television and obesity problems.

Specifically, Dixon et al. (2007) discuss the issues associated with the commercials aired during childrens programming. Dixon et al. states that these commercials promote unhealthy eating habits among children and have a powerful effect on their attitude, especially at the preschool age. Dixon et al. brought up the substantial issue that most television channels run the majority of their food advertisements during the morning hours or on weekends when children watch television the most. Dixon et al. states that one in three advertisements that appear during childrens viewing times are for unhealthy food, which can lead to a positive attitude among children regarding junk food. Kadam, Bhosale & Bagal (2012) concur and note that the content of commercials contain mostly junk food such as candy or chips and healthy food choices are rarely promoted. Kadam et al. (2012) mentions the interesting fact that over half of the foods advertised in commercials are rich in fat and sugar. Dixon et al. discusses how cross sectional studies show that 40.3% of children exposed to unhealthy food commercials chose the unhealthy advertised food items when given the choice. This information supports Albert Banduras social cognitive theory which states that children learn from observed behaviors. Watching excessive television can greatly affect childrens health and dietary habits. Schmidt, Pempek, Kirkorian, Lund, & Anderson (2008), note that there is an association between poor language and social development and children that have a high television exposure. Schmidt et al. (2008), note that play is a very important part of a young childs socialization process and that television viewing can be disruptive. Kadam, Bhosale, & Bagal (2012) state that TV exposure influences many aspects of a childs life and development including learning, routines, and personal development. Kadam et al (2012) goes on to say that today, more than ever, television holds a great power to affect the process of development in

children by taking time away from play, potential for creativity, communication skills, and social development. Watching television can have an impact on cognitive function and quality of achievement in school. Kirkorian, Wartella, & Anderson (2008), state that television has been criticized for its potential impact on the intellectual ability of children. Kirkorian et al. (2008) says that although research clearly demonstrates that well-designed, age-appropriate, educational television can be beneficial to children of preschool age, studies on infants and toddlers suggest that these young children may learn better from real-life experiences. Some research suggests that exposure to television during the first years of life may be associated with poorer cognitive development later on. Kirkorian et al. goes on to say that regarding children over that age of two, content is very important in influencing the effects of television on cognitive skills and academic achievement. It is important to note that some television programs are indeed beneficial for children while others are not. Kirkorian et al. states that children who view educational television programs which are age appropriate and are based on an educational curriculum rather than entertainment, are associated with better academic performance. Educational television programs, those designed around a curriculum with a specific goal to communicate academic or social skills, teach their intended lessons (p 45). Kirkorian mentions that correlational research has found that the three childrens programs Sesame Street, Blues Clues, and Dora the Explorer have been found to increase school readiness, vocabulary, problem solving skills, and social skills. These are examples of television programs which are specially and carefully designed for young children and which help prepare them for school. Kirkorian et al. goes on to state that other studies have supported that idea that higher academic achievement in children is related to early exposure to educational television programming.

Finally, there is substantial research which supports the notion that children who watch violent programming are more likely to exhibit violent and aggressive behavior. According to Van Der Molen (2004), television is filled with violence and studies have shown that exposure to television violence may raise levels of aggression, fear, and desensitization. Van Der Molen states that young children are unable to distinguish what is real from what is not when they watch TV so it is prudent to eliminate violent television viewing in younger children. Van Der Molen goes on to state that research has shown that not only physical violence affects children, but also the emotional distress portrayed. Kirkorian, Wartella, & Anderson (2008) state that children who viewed violent cartoons showed decreased self-regulation, while the children who viewed pro social programs showed higher levels of persistence and obedience. Kirkorian et al. (2008) states that while viewing educational programs can have significant benefits, watching violent content can have negative results. Longitudinal research studies have found that early exposure to television violence can negatively affect academic achievement and behaviour. The medium of television, when used in an intelligent and frugal manner, can be very beneficial to young children in their healthy development and academic achievement. However, according to Kadam, Bhosale, & Bagal (2012), television can be very detrimental to children and if not monitored, can often cause more harm to the child than good. Television viewing should be closely monitored by the parent or caregiver to ensure that the child does not exceed the proper amount or watch harmful, violent programming which can be harmful for development and behaviour. Though certain childrens programs are certainly beneficial to the development and learning of children, excessive or inappropriate television viewing can be detrimental and should be monitored for the best interests of the child.

References

Bellieni, C. V., Fontani, G., Corradeschi, F., Iantorno, L., Maffei, M., Migliorini, S., & ... Buonocore, G. (2010). Distracting effect of TV watching on children's reactivity. European Journal Of Pediatrics, 169(9), 1075-1078. doi:10.1007/s00431-0101180-0 Dixon, Helen G., Scully, Maree L., Wakefield, Melanie A., White, Victoria M., Crawford, David A. (2007). The Effects of Television Advertisements for Junk Food Versus Nutritious Food on Childrens Food Attitudes and Preferences. Social Science & Medicine. 65, 1311-1323. Kadam, P. B., Bhosale, A. S., & Bagal, A. A. (2012). A Study on Effects of Cartoon Networks (Television) on Children. Indian Streams Research Journal, 2(4), 1-6. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Kirkorian, H. L., Wartella, E. A., & Anderson, D. R. (2008). Media and Young Children's Learning. Future Of Children, 18(1), 39-61. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Schmidt, M., Pempek, T. A., Kirkorian, H. L., Lund, A., & Anderson, D. R. (2008). The Effects of Background Television on the Toy Play Behavior of Very Young Children. Child Development, 79(4), 1137-1151. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2008.01180.x Van Der Molen, J. (2004). Violence and Suffering in Television News: Toward a Broader Conception of Harmful Television Content for Children. Pediatrics, 113(6), 1771-1775. Retrieved from EBSCOhost