media influence
The Television Time Warp
I have yet to see a book or article on managing your time that talks about television. When we consider the fact that the average American adult supposedly watches more than 20 hours of television per week, this seems to be a major omission.
Some of the greatest times in our home have been when the TV set has been out of repair (though I admit we did have trouble keeping the kids from sneaking next door to watch it there). But with such a large block of our time devoted to the boob tube, television viewing seems a prime candidate for time management.
On the good side, television can be entertaining, relaxing and informing. For the tired executive who needs to become engrossed in something entirely different, the Saturday afternoon football game may be just the ticket (although going to the local high school game may be healthier). For the busy homemaker, a few half-hours of TV may bring the same type of emotional relief.
On the negative side, television takes an exorbitant amount of time that could be invested in many other areas. It over-entertains us to the point of saturation. It dulls our senses and warps our view of life. It keeps us away from friends, books and stimulating ideas.
What should be done? Certainly we should have a schedule for each member of our families (including ourselves) for how much TV exposure we are going to tolerate a week. This might involve a family conference to select those programs that the family or individuals would watch during the week. It might call for a frank discussion between husband and wife as to whether the Saturday afternoon football game for him is better than bike riding in the park for both of them. It might mean the searching out of educational programs or other outstanding programs so that these become events in the individual's or family's life.
It might mean getting rid of the TV entirely.
In an age of DVDs and satellite TV, there is little doubt that television offers tremendous potential for training and cultural enrichment. But for the family who has been trained to accept the average, low-vitamin fare served by TV daily, it translates into an entire way of life. Has it consumed yours?
Background Information
Video Game Ratings Explained
Ratings are helpful tools for parents who want to make informed buying decisions.
How Violent Media Affects the Brain
New research cements a link between violent video games and increased levels of violence in teens
The Power of the Media
It's hard to deny that music and visual images have tremendous sticking power. But do those lingering sensations really make a difference?
When Life Imitates Art
We need to be very careful about what we allow ourselves to watch and listen to. Examples of others who didn't make wise choices are numerous, and some of them are frightening.
Children and Television
If parents don't know what their children watch on TV, it may come back to haunt them.
Questions and Answers
I'm troubled by some of the CDs showing up in our home. How do we set a music standard for our 13-year-old daughter?
Answer
What are the long-term consequences when children watch violent and sexual content on television?
Answer
What is your opinion of video games?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
It Matters What They Watch
Steven slaughtered Xbox villains, watched R-rated movies and surfed endless channels on television. Trouble is, lax boundaries steered him down a destructive path.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Do What I Do
Children learn by watching us live our lives. It is all the more reason to live honorably.
Related Topics
Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family
Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
