teens

Americans spend almost one-third of their free time- more than the ten most famous free time activities altogether- watching television (Teen Health). Television can have many affects on the child’s brain during the first few years of childhood. Other than children, it is also starting to affect teenagers at an alarming rate. It affects how they study in school because of how much T.V. they consume hourly rather that could have been spent studying for school. Furthermore, there are many big questions all parents are asking:

1. What are the affects of too much television on children throughout childhood?

2. What affects are there on teenagers?

3. What can we do to reduce our television intake?

What Are the Affects of Too Much Television On Children Throughout Childhood?

Children that are 5 years old or younger are continuously growing, learning and developing skills that will help shape them mentally, physically and emotionally. But what happens when parents decide to throw television into the mix? There is evidence to show how it has affected children positively but also negatively in their brain development.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states, “A child’s brain undergoes immense growth during the first three years of life, with the brain’s mass tripling in just the first 12 months.” Also, there is evidence that during this change, a different stimulus they will experience during that period effects the brain’s development. So, because of the stimuli, children find it harder to tell the difference between what is on the television screen and reality. Because they cannot make the big distinction between the two, it has effects on their functions that include language development, vision and memory, cognitive development an...

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... on what are the general age groups that are suitable to watch. They can be found on TV guides, listings in newspapers and on cable program guides. They are what sometimes appear at the top left side of the television right before a show begins. Some of what the ratings are:

TV-7: for all children.

TV-Y7: for kids 7 years old and older, and could contain “mild fantasy violence or comedic violence.”

TV-Y7-FV: fantasy violence can be more intense than the previous rating.

TV-G: for general audience. Usually not directed toward children, but it does have little or no violence, sexual dialogue, or strong language.

TV-PG: parental guidance is recommended. It could contain inappropriate theme younger children.

TV-14: parents are cautioned, but suitable for kids 14 years old and older.

TV-MA: made for adults and can be unsuitable for kids under the age of 17 (KidsHealth).