In response to National TV Turn-Off Week (April 19th-25th), how about focusing on a new curriculum of everyday TV viewing at your house instead of simply turning your TV off for a week? American children average 3 to 4 hours per day watching television. It is undeniably a powerful influence in developing value systems and shaping behavior. As parents, we can make every effort to steer our children toward good programs, use teaching moments when certain subjects arise, and above all, limit the time our children have access to television. Believe it or not, there are ways you can make the best of it.

By Katrina Cassel

If she does any or all of the above, she’s pretty typical for a child of the 21st century. The average child watches more than three ision viewing become a habit, but friends pressure children to watch all of the “popular” shows. Since television will probably always be a part of your child’s life, it’s important that she learn to view television critically, know when to turn it off, and seek shows that promote positive values. Sound impossible? It’s not.

Here are some ways to guide your child into thinking about and analyzing what he watches:

LOOK FOR FAMILY VALUES. Many of the popular sitcoms are lacking the values we strive for in our own home. When your child watches his favorite show, assign him some homework. Ask him to list activities in which children and teens on the show participate and compare them with his life. Have your child listen to the dialogue between family members. What words best describe their conversations? Respectful? Disrespectful? Courteous? Vulgar? Monitor how many incidents of violence, inappropriate relationships, drinking, swearing, and disobedience take place. Discuss how these incidents would be handled in your own home. Know when to turn off the television.

LOOK FOR STEREOTYPES AND GENDER ROLES. Discuss what a stereotype is—all blondes are dumb, boys are better at math. Have your preteen watch for stereotypes on television. How does the show portray each character? How are male and female characters portrayed? Are the dads always “in the dark” and the teens boys or girls always rebellious? After the show, discuss the characters and what you learned.

LOOK FOR UNREALISTIC AMOUNTS OF VIOLENCE. How many acts of violence are there on the show? How many times in real life has your child seen someone stabbed, shot, beaten up, or kicked around by police? Compare real life statistics with television statistics. Don’t permit shows that contain more than an occasional violent incident.

WHAT DO THE ADVERTISEMENTS IMPLY? Youth are easily swayed by advertisements that seem to promise more friends and popularity to people who use a certain soap or shampoo. Have your preteen list promises made by commercials. Discuss them. Can a person really have more fun according to what soft drink he drinks? Can a shampoo really attract guys? Discuss why the manufacturers include these false promises.

GET INVOLVED WITH THE NEWS. Watch the news together. Use a globe or map to find locations mentioned. Talk about how news of other countries might affect Americans in that area—or even at home. Talk with your child about how a reporter can sway people by giving their own view of an incident.

When a show is over, discuss your findings. Compare notes. Then together give the show your own rating by how the values compare to your own. You may want to help your preteen or teen prepare a checklist on a computer and run several copies to use throughout the week.

Television has a great influence on our children. Let’s help them learn to be critical viewers and make wise choices.

Katrina Cassel, M.Ed., is a freelance writer, author of several books, and mother of five living in Georgia.