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Does watching TV harm children? Can a child learn something from the programs they watch? On the one hand, experts criticize television and warn of the developmental damage that television consumption threatens for children. On the other hand, experts are developing so-called child-friendly programs with the label: “educationally valuable”.

Setting consistent rules for watching television is not always easy. For this reason, in the following article we give tips on how to set up rules without any problems:

Does watching TV affect children’s development?

The extent to which a child can be influenced by the content of the programs they watch is still a matter of debate among experts. The clear majority see a clear connection between violent programs and violent behavior in children, because children copy their environment. That’s the only way they learn. TV, with its heroes and villains, also plays a role in the question of role models for children. The older children get, the more they look for role models. They have a wide range of role models on TV, but they’re not always good role models. In addition, television itself is a strenuous affair, because children have to process a lot of stimuli and information. When children are overworked, they often react aggressively.

On the other hand, there are a number of children’s programs that have been co-developed by experts to impart knowledge to young viewers. They are checked for content as well as whether they convey joy and what knowledge children can acquire as a result. They keep their pace moderate so that they don’t get overwhelmed so quickly. These programs take into account that young children in particular cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy and select appropriate content.

The right way to use the TV for children

Letting a child grow up without a television is difficult. Even if you don’t own a device yourself, children will come into contact with it at the latest through their friends. When children are old enough, parents should teach them how to interact with the medium of television. It is very important for children to learn not to choose the wrong role models and not to take information without being asked. This does not only apply to dealing with entertainment programs, regardless of whether they are exciting, funny or ridiculous. News and so-called educational programs should also be followed critically.

There is free information material, for example from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, which will give you lots of tips on media education. There are a few basic rules parents should always follow:

• According to experts, children under the age of three should ideally not watch television at all. It is completely overwhelmed by the flood of images.
• Even if a child is older than four years, media educators advise not letting them watch television for more than 30 minutes a day and planning TV-free days during the week.
• School children should watch for a maximum of 60 minutes a day.
• From the age of ten, children can watch television for up to 90 minutes.
• At the age of 13, children should slowly learn to regulate their television consumption themselves. It is helpful if they are given a weekly budget that they can allocate themselves. At this age, children are old enough to follow the plot of the film and to distinguish between reality and fiction, but they have difficulty creating an emotional distance from what they see.
• Parents should always pay attention to programs that are age-appropriate, even if that is perhaps uninteresting and children would rather see “more exciting” films.
• Talk shows and reality TV should generally not be allowed.

At what point does watching television harm a child?

In principle, a baby is forbidden to watch TV. Most experts advise watching as little television as possible. Even shows designed specifically for young children are harmful to a baby. Programs that claim to promote brain development have been deemed worthless or partially harmful. In some experiments, “TV babies” had significant deficits in vocabulary, for example, compared to other babies. The experts agree on one point: the more television children watch, the more their mental and social skills will fall behind. The problem is the long-term damage, which is repeatedly pointed out in many studies. School children who watched television for more than two hours a day as toddlers

TV – yes or no?

Of course, parents can lock the TV away and let their child grow up without watching TV. There is no way it can harm a child. When it grows up, it will decide for itself. No television in childhood does not mean that children later become addicted to television or that they cannot control their television consumption. One downside is that they can’t join in the conversation when their friends are talking about a show.

Since television is found in most homes, children are likely to watch television when their friends visit. Then they will ask their parents why they don’t have a device and there may be conflicts in the family because of this. On the other hand, a child has the opportunity to learn, to live and to experience something for themselves that watching television cannot. The time can be used consciously to promote creativity or sporting skills. Interestingly, the number of parents and young adults who consciously do without a television is growing. At the same time, however, the number of children who sit in front of the television for so long that they have difficulty concentrating is also growing.

How should parents react when their child wants to watch TV?

• No Exceptions for a Toddler: Parents should not let their baby or toddler watch TV. The child is probably fascinated by the many colorful pictures and would like to look, but it harms him.
• Parents should watch together with their child: So that parents have an overview of what their child is watching, they should watch television together with their offspring. The proximity also gives children security if they are startled by exciting scenes.
• Adhere to the age restrictions: The age restrictions help to select shows and protect children.
• Educational recommendations help: A program is checked by educators to ensure that the content corresponds to the intellectual abilities of children and that it imparts valuable knowledge. They can be of help in choosing the shows.
• Talking to the child: What is seen can trigger questions or fears in a child, for example if they see an argument and become afraid that the same thing could happen in their family. Parents should talk to their children about what they saw.
• No TV in the children’s room: If children have a TV for themselves, parents can no longer check which programs they are watching and how many.
• Set clear rules: Older children should learn how to use television sensibly. Parents and their children can set rules for when they are allowed to watch what. However, parents should make sure that their child does not spend too much time in front of the television. It is not good if they watch TV before the start of school or kindergarten.
• Advertising is not a children’s program: Advertising creates the impression that buying a product makes people happy. Advertising is particularly emotional, so that a child enjoys the funny pictures but finds it difficult to break away from the message. Even adults don’t always succeed. Parents should try to avoid advertising and talk to their child about the tricks used in advertising.
• No television before going to bed: The television should be switched off at least an hour before a child goes to bed, otherwise it will be difficult for them to fall asleep and they will not be able to rest.
• Check your own behavior: How much TV do you watch yourself? Is the television on at the same time, or during dinner together? Then children are repeatedly attracted and distracted by the colorful stimuli.
• Parents as role models: Parents should also do all the work before they turn on the television. The children will adopt this behavior.
• Keeping track of things: Learning how to use television and other media takes time. Parents should have an overview of what their own children are reading, watching on TV or what games are being played on the computer.
• Enough exercise: If a child is allowed to watch TV, parents should also ensure that they get enough physical exercise to compensate.