The jury is no longer out. The fact is that the more time your child spends in front of a screen (TV/games/computers) the more they will be negatively affected physically, intellectually, socially and morally. Even if your children are watching high quality content, think of the things they are not doing. They are not playing creatively, interacting socially or getting physical activity. So how big is the problem? In 2004 73% percent of 8th graders spent more than 2 hours each weekday watching TV. 31% watched more than 4 hours on weekdays! This does not include video game and computer time. The average 2 year old will spend over 2 hours each day in front of a TV. So how much is too much? TV is such a part of our culture, it is often treated like a necessary component to living: oxygen, food, water, shelter and……TV. The less time in front of TV the better for your whole family, but our goal is no more than 10 hours of screen time a week. How can you achieve this goal? The easiest solution is to get rid of your cable connection all together. Warning: this option is not for everyone. Only people who are serious about improving your family life and relationships should try this one. Short of unplugging it all together, here are some other suggestions:

• Do not allow TV’s, video games or computers in your child’s room.
• Place the TV, computer and games in a central living area.
• Turn them off when nobody is actively watching them.
• Set a good example; cut back on TV yourself.
• Offer lots of DVD/videos that you approve of for viewing.
• Give your child options for other activities.
• Plan your viewing ahead of time; don’t channel hop.
• View TV as a family; use what you see to teach your values.

If you would like to learn more about what kids are watching or listening too, www.pluggedin.com is an excellent resource. For more information about how to control media in your family, www.almenconi.com has an extensive amount of information to help you make good media choices for your family.