by Claudia Trinklein-Engman, Ph.D.

Television and Computer Games

Many parents have learned that two of the most reliable babysitters are electronic devices that most of us have readily available in our homes. They are guaranteed to keep Johnny and Susie quiet and occupied for hours: the television set and video games. What exactly are the effects, both positive and negative, of children self-stimulating by "plugging into" these electronic wonders?

On the positive side, they permit parents to have much prized free time to themselves. It is an apparent cure for the "what should I do now" blues. Being familiar with various television shows and electronic games puts your child into a common flow of experiences with his or her peers. There are even programs that are educational or provide a fuller understanding of the world in which we live.

On the negative side, however, watching hours of television or manipulating hours of computer games on a daily basis deceases real human interaction between family members. It deprives children of time when they could be learning about friendship, when they could be nurturing their creative side and developing their inner resources. "Being bored" can be a worthwhile exercise. "Plugging in" is a passive activity on one hand, yet it tends to be over stimulating on the other. These electronic gadgets do not demand thoughtful response nor foster the careful listening and integration of new material that are readily required in school and in life. The number of murders and violent acts a child experiences in these activities is enormous. Research studies have shown that the incidence of aggressive and violent behavior rises dramatically in children after watching violent visuals. The television and the computer are major sources of modeling. Kids learn how to interact by watching and imitating others.

It is extremely important to be aware of what your child is watching. Watch the program or play the games with him or her. Set limits around the amount of time spent as well as the content seen. More than an hour per day on an average is questionable, although each family must assess this for themselves. You may want to watch a couple of special TV shows as a family together as a weekly ritual and then discuss everyone's feelings and responses to them. You may also want to find other activities that the family can do together in the evenings that develop creativity and social skills. Family projects, reading aloud, cultivating hobbies, family talks, board games are some alternatives. It is important that children develop the capacity to entertain themselves without being artificially stimulated by the media. Having balls, old dress-up clothes, jump ropes, tops, marbles or other participatory toys available will help them. Depending on the age, playing "make-believe" will also help strengthen creativity.

While it is true that video games and television are a great boon to tired, overworked parents, the consequences of over-reliance upon them have to be carefully assessed and a proper balance maintained.