A few weeks ago we were talking with colleagues about the impact of television on kids. Many people argued that the quality of programs has dropped a lot over the years. They say the intellectual level promoted to children is not positive for their education.

I see it a bit differently. Living in a digital world, we have seen an exponential rise in the number of programs. I estimate that program quality has not actually fallen; only its share of everything available today has dropped dramatically, because almost anyone can host their own show. The real problem now is that kids live in near-constant contact with screens, which makes it harder and harder to filter the good from the bad. And forget TV alone, where blocking access is almost impossible: in many millennial parent households, TV has been replaced by Netflix, YouTube shows, Amazon Video, and more, yet they never set the tools or rules that keep kids limited to age-appropriate content.

What to do if you worry about your kids

Today we are seeing more parents concerned about the quality of their children’s education and the factors that can undermine it. TV and screens in general show up as a problem in nearly every international study on the subject.

It is not about turning the television off.
— D. Soitout

1- Understand the risks

1.1 – Health

Broadly speaking, excess television exposure has been linked to a wide range of negative health effects. These range from increased violence and aggressive behavior, to distorted sexual images, body-image and self-esteem problems, obesity, or nutritional issues.

1.2 – Social life and personal development

Kids who spend too much time on screens face higher risks of:

Not reading, not researching, and struggling more with homework
Becoming lazy, skipping sports, and ending up with unwanted weight gain
Becoming isolated, putting television ahead of any other pastime
Having poor relationships with peers, parents, siblings, and family
Having little social interaction
Pushing good hobbies aside, such as hanging out with kids their age, playing sports, or learning new tech skills
Significant impact on their eyesight

2 – What can I do?

In reality, screens are impossible to avoid in this world. We need computers for homework, work, and study, and phones for emergencies; they are everywhere in restaurants, salons, stores, and more.

2.1 – Rules

Start setting house rules. In my case, for example, I do not let my girls have access to a phone, iPad, or any portable screen. If they ask why I am allowed on my phone, I explain two reasons: 1) it is my work tool, and 2) I enjoyed my childhood playing, and that was the best.

On the TV side, they only get Netflix Kids; everything else is password-protected. They get access only after they finish what they need to do, outside meal times, and outside homework times.

It is important to limit screen time at home so that when they go out they do not feel the need for a screen. Whether at a friend’s house, a restaurant, or anywhere else, if you teach them other activities besides watching TV (playing outside, playing with Barbies, or any creative play that lets them invent a world), they will not crave the screen.

They are kids. You are the parent. It is your responsibility.

2.2 – Teach them other activities

Reading, writing, painting, playing an instrument, and everything tied to a child’s creativity matters a lot. It helps them not only at school but in social life, giving them interests and conversation topics that open doors long-term at work and in the social circles they want to join. The busier a child feels, the less they will look for fun on a screen.

2.3 – Give them quality time

If you are going to let your kids use a screen, make sure they get quality programs. As I said earlier, screens cannot be avoided, so make what they watch worthwhile. Let kids be kids and watch movies, series, and similar shows, but matched to their age. Also introduce programs like NatGeo and History Channel that help them learn. If they are going to spend time on TV, make it productive for them.

Conclusion

In the end, it is the parents’ responsibility to take the time to set rules, activities, and the growth path for their children. The best thing you can do is give your kids the open mind that lets them become responsible people as they grow, so they can achieve the success you want for them in the future.