Many parents want to curb their children's TV time, but aren't sure how to go about it, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The organization has long recommended that kids spend less than two hours per day in screen time (watching TV, playing video games, using the computer), but their recent study of the lives of 180 families with kids ages 6 to 13 found that this just isn't happening. Most of the children reported spending at least three hours a day watching TV. And while all of the parents said they had rules about what types of shows the kids could watch, few limited the amount of time the children were allowed to watch, and fewer knew how to cut viewing time down.
The AAP researchers offered these suggestions:
• Keep track. Parents in the study reported fewer hours of TV time for their children than the kids themselves acknowledged. Keeping an eye on how many hours a day your kids watch is a good place to start.
• Eliminate background TV. If no one's watching, turn it off.
• Keep TV out of the bedroom. Nearly two-thirds of the children surveyed reported having a TV in their rooms. Fewer opportunities means fewer hours spent watching.
• Keep TV out of the dining room. One-third of families in the survey said they regularly have the TV on during meal times. Instead, use that time to connect with the kids.
• Limit TV on school nights. The kids will have more time for homework, and get to bed earlier.
• Offer alternatives. Looking for ideas? Visit the Television Turnoff Network online at www.television-turnoff.org for a list of 100 suggestions.
© Parenthood.com, used with permission.
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