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What time is your favorite sitcom on this season? The television was introduced to America in 1953 and is a staple in most households today. Reflecting back on childhood, we can see that many everyday luxuries play a large role in shaping the character of our lives. One of these luxuries that is meant merely for entertainment purposes has become an addictive tool used to pacify unruly, bored children. The problem is not the presence of the television but the fact that its use is extreme in many households today. Parents in today's society don't notice that their children are developing an unhealthy addiction to TV. To prevent children from becoming a victim of television addiction, parents should establish rules for watching TV, provide children with other forms of entertainment, and use the television as an educational tool. Rules are everywhere in today's society and are helpful to shape the qualities valued most in our lives. TV is used as a venue to help pass spare time but is often abused when it becomes a distraction from priorities. In order to keep the television from becoming a distraction, parents should establish rules that help regulate how much time is spent in front of the TV. The NewScientist website states, "Research has lead the American Academy of Pediatrics to suggest children watch no more than 2 hours of TV per day and that children under 2 years old watch none at all" ("Watching TV"). Whereas many people do not pay attention to exactly how long they are watching TV for, a timer can be set for the allotted time restraints set by the parents. Also, rules should also be set for which shows may be viewed; a parental control lock can be programmed for channels that are not approved by parents. As the Kids Health website advises us, "It's better for parents to control the use of TV and to teach kids that it's for occasional entertainment, not for constant escapism" ("How TV Affects Your Child"). Although it is okay to allow a reasonable amount of time for children to watch TV, parents should keep this luxury to a minimum. It can be hard to think of other ways to entertain your child besides TV; however, if rules are established early in childhood, they will be easier to maintain as the children grow. Another solution to make sure that your child does not become addicted to watching TV is to provide alternate forms of entertainment. Getting your child involved in a sports program is a solution with positive reinforcements for teamwork and being active. According to the Seeking Success website, there are many benefits that result from being involved in a sport: "sports provide a positive learning experience that will enhance your child's ability to develop self confidence, good sportsmanship and teamwork skills" ("Sports for Children"). Sports and other team activities teach children to work with others, and this can help establish people skills for future job opportunities. Although being a part of a sports team requires more dedication and effort than plopping your child in front of the TV, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. One last solution for kids who are addicted to watching TV is to use the television as an educational tool instead of a pacifier. While watching TV can distract children from doing homework and studying, educational videos and shows will help boost a child's intellect level. The Issues and Controversies website informs us that "educational programs designed for young children are beneficial to their mental growth" ("Children's Television"). Educational shows such as Sesame Street, Baby Einstein, and Barney teach children preschool basics; in fact, PBS airs numerous shows all day to help develop skills such as phonics, sensory function, reading, and many other important skills. Not only can the TV be used to develop educational skills, but moral and social skills can be acquired from watching certain programs. Many shows give examples of common life problems and solutions for them. When children watch how these problems are solved, they can learn how to deal with them, which will be helpful when they encounter these problems themselves. Since the television can be used to learn life values as well as educational lessons, the presence of a TV set in a family environment does not have to be a All in all, some ways to utilize the television in the healthiest way possible for children would be to establish TV watching privileges, incorporate alternate forms of entertainment, and tune into more educational programming. A common problem for parents is trying to occupy their children in order to accomplish chores, but when used with moderation and regulation, TV can be a fun and beneficial tool to have on hand. Pleasurable uses of the television could also be an assigned "movie night" to encourage family bonding and excitement. Children cherish family time, and if it is incorporated into their lives at an early age, they may use the same method for their future children. The use of the television can often be abused and overlooked; however, TV doesn't have to be a problem in households today. "Children's Television." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services. 23 Feb 2007. Web. 4 Nov 2009. <http://www.2facts.com/article/il200120>. Dowling, Tamara. "Sports for Children." Seeking Success. Web. 11 Nov 2009. <http://www.seekingsuccess.com/articles/art119.php>. Gosline, Anna. "Watching TV." New Scientist. 04 July 2005. Web. 14 Nov 2009. "How TV Affects Your Child." Kid's Health. Nemours. Web. 8 Nov 2009.

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