You as parents have to decide how much television viewing you consider desirable. Your decision will be based on your views of the connection between violence on television and violence in real life, your views on the educational value of television, your observations of your children's other interests and other individual factors.

Research studies do not always agree but some things seem clear:

• Television does affect children - how they play, how they see the world, how they act.
• Violence on television affects children and youth in several ways. Kids who watch a lot of violence believe that it is alright for people to be violent. It makes them more likely to act in violent ways such as shouting, bullying and fighting. The effects of television may be stronger on children who have experience with real violence, such as children who live in poverty or who have been abused or neglected. The effects of television violence on children can have a serious impact on school, on play and on home life.
• Television has positive effects on children too, and is good at getting pro-social messages across
• The more children watch, the bigger the effects of watching.
• The more children talk and think about what they see on the screen, the less TV affects them. Children learn nonviolent ways to handle problems from adults who watch TV with them and who suggest other ways of solving problems.
• Television affects children's health, their physical fitness and nutrition. Kids who watch a lot of television are less physically fit. Children are more likely to choose foods they see in television commercials and that means their choices are not very healthy.

If you decide that television is a problem in your household, you as a family need to decide what actions to take.

Minding the Set suggests you think about what you want to change and set goals. Sample goals include: to have my child see less violence; to prevent my child from learning stereotypes; to encourage my children to play outside more.

To achieve your goals, you can provide guidelines, make rules and apply techniques for using television more effectively. Guidelines or rules might address what to watch and/or how much to watch: "we don't watch shows with fighting in them"; "we'll choose your programs together"; "5 programs per week"; "only on weekends"; "one program after chores and homework are done". Techniques might include having children make their own television guides, each week; taping shows to watch at a convenient time (when homework is done, for example); finding out what programs other people recommend; using the weekly listings (don't turn on the TV to "see what is on"); giving children other things to do (family games, puzzles, crafts); keeping a list of shows you like (taped to the TV or fridge); being a good role model.

Minding the Set describes ways parents can talk to their children about television content such as stereotypes, advertising, violence and so on. It suggests games to play while watching, for example "How Will It End?" "Name that Problem". It suggests other activities such as letter writing, TV without picture, TV without sound (see also page 148). It also suggests whom you can contact to influence TV content.

Here are a few more suggestions that have helped other parents:

• Be clear about the time a child can watch television, for example be specific about specials and whether they form part of the weekly allotment.
• Remind children that they have control over television. When a show is too unbelievable or scary, they can turn it off.
• Watch for children being captivated by habit-forming soap operas or serialized shows. There is little value in children keeping a daily appointment with such shows.
• Turn down the sound during commercials and ask, "What do you think is going to happen next?" or "How do you think the story will end?" If you are watching a taped show, stop the tape at crucial intervals to ask the same questions. Encourage children to support their predictions with insights into the characters and foreshadowing in the plot.
• Recognize that when a program is over, it is best not to just walk away. It is important to find out your child's feelings and impressions about the show.
• Observe whether children watch television even when they have friends over. Offer them something to do instead.
• Ask yourself if television watching could be taking the place of activities that the family might do together. For example, if the television is on during breakfast and dinner, this suggests that it is more important than conversation.
• Schedule the viewing of a TV program based on a book. If possible, have your children read the book before viewing the TV adaptation, then compare. If they weren't able to read the book before the TV program, ride the crest of the enthusiasm and find the book at the library or bookstore.
• If a sensitive issue is mentioned on a TV show, it doesn't necessarily mean the show should be prohibited. If the program has merit, it may open discussion.
• Consider reading aloud to children for 15 minutes each day. Studies have shown that time spent each day reading aloud to your children inspires them to turn off the TV.

Is your school aware of the 'Cable in the Classroom' educational programming airing at night? A majority of Canada's cable operators actively support this project. Schools that have cable access nearby are able to receive one free cable outlet. If your school board has not been contacted by your cable company, give them a call. Even if your school isn't passed by existing cable systems, teachers (or parents!) can take advantage of the programming if you have cable and a VCR at home. Get your school involved - and ask to check the school's listings guide if you are interested in taping programs for home use.

Prime Time Parent. (1995). A training video with activities for workshops on television viewing. Produced by the Alliance for Children and Television and Health Canada. Call the Newfoundland and Labrador Home and School Federation to borrow a copy or order at $8.00 per kit from the Alliance for Children and Television.

The Alliance for Children & Television
344 Dupont Street, Suite 205
Toronto, Ontario M5R 1V9
Tel: 416-515-0466
Fax: 416-515-0467
A national non-profit organization that works on behalf of children with parents, broadcasters, producers and the government.

The Children's Broadcast Institute
Suite 405, 234 Eglington Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K5
Tel: 416-482-0321
Non-profit, charitable organization concerned with issues of television and Canadian children. Holds workshops, publishes a newsletter, issues special reports.

Educational TV Programs are available. Check your local listings for shows such as Beakman's World, Bill Nye The Science Guy, National Geographic World and Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego?.

(Taken from the "Parent Resource Binder: The Essential Link", published by the Newfoundland and Labrador Home and School Federation).

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