Dictionary For Dads

The American Academy of Pediatrics takes a "better-safe-than-sorry" stance on TV for young children. "Children of all ages are constantly learning new things. The first 2 years of life are especially important in the growth and development of your child's brain. During this time, children require good, positive interaction with other children and adults. Too much television can negatively affect early brain development. This is especially true at younger ages, when learning to talk and play with others is so important.

Research on media violence and the effect on the cognitive and  behavioral development of a child is something that should concerns all parents. Over the past two decades, hundreds of studies have examined how violent programming on TV affects children and young people. While a direct "cause and effect" link is difficult to establish, there is a growing consensus that some children may be vulnerable to violent images and messages.

Three Potential Responses To Media Violence In Children:

• Increased fear—also known as the "mean and scary world" syndrome
  Children, particularly girls, are much more likely than adults to be portrayed as victims of violence on TV, and this can make them more afraid of the world around them. Fears and Anxieties in children is a growing problem that parents should not over look.

• Desensitization to real-life violence
  Some of the most violent TV shows are cartoons, in which violence is portrayed as humorous—and realistic consequences of violence are seldom shown.
  
  
• Increased aggressive behavior
  This can be especially true of young children, who are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior after viewing violent TV shows or movies.

Children today are bombarded with sexual messages and images in all media; television, magazines, advertisements, music, movies and the Internet. Parents should be concerned about the messages their children are receiving from all media sources.Television, Music and interactive media can be a powerful resource for educating children on the responsibilities and risks of sexual behavior but such issues are seldom mentioned or dealt with in a meaningful way in programs containing sexual content.

According to a 2001 study from the Kaiser Family Foundation, entitled Sex on TV, three out of four prime time shows contain sexual references. Situation comedies top the list: 84 per cent which contain sexual content. Of the shows with sexual content, only one in ten included references to safe sex, or the possible risks or responsibilities of sex. In shows that portrayed teens in sexual situations, only 17 per cent contained messages about safe and responsible sex.

Physical And Academic Development:

Television can affect learning and school performance if it cuts into the time kids need for activities crucial to healthy mental and physical development. Most of a child's free time, especially during the early formative years, should be spent in activities such as playing, reading, exploring nature, learning about music or participating in sports.

Childhood Obesity:

As well as encouraging a sedentary lifestyle, television can also contribute to childhood obesity by aggressively marketing junk food to young audiences. That explains why most food advertising durring child programs advertises for fast foods, candy and pre-sweetened cereals.

The effects television has on Children depends on the following:

1. how much they watch
2. their age
3. their personality
4. whether they watch alone or with adults
5. whether their parents talk with them about what they see on TV.

To minimize the potential negative aspects of television on children should reduce all watching to one hour per day.

Parents should monitor what their child is watching and discuss topics.

Parents should not allow children to watch what is not appropriate weather it is convenient for them or not.

Check the Hootie and Otis media rating on our Hootie and Otis page to see if the media your child is watching is healthy for him/her.

• Because of its ability to create powerful touchstones, TV enables young people to share cultural experiences with others.
  
  
• Shared viewing gives family members of all ages an opportunity to spend time together.
  
  
• Parents can use TV as a catalyst to get kids reading—following up on TV programs by getting books on the same subjects or reading authors whose work was adapted for the programs.
  
  
• Good television can teach kids important values and life lessons.
  
  
• TV programs often explores controversial or sensitive issues, which can make it easier for parents and kids to discuss them.
  
  
• Educational programming can develop a young child's socialization and learning skills.
  
  
• Documentaries can help develop critical thinking about society and the world.
  
  
• TV can help introduce your family to classic Hollywood films and foreign movies that may not be available in your local video store.
  
  
• Cultural programming can open up the world of music and art for young people.

A Scientific American article entitled "Television Addiction" examined why children and adults may find it hard to turn their TV off. According to researchers, viewers feel an instant sense of relaxation when they start to watch TV—but that feeling disappears just as quickly when the box is turned off. While people generally feel more energized after playing sports or engaging in hobbies, after watching TV they usually feel depleted of energy. According to the article "this is the irony of TV: people watch a great deal longer than they plan to, even though prolonged viewing is less rewarding.

Parents should pay close attention to what their children see on the News programs. Studies have shown that kids are more afraid of violence in news coverage than in any other media content. This has been particulary true following the 911 bombings. A hilds ability to manage Fear based on real news events increases as children get older and are better ableto manage their feelings.

Advertisements for healthy food make up only four per cent of those shown. A lot of dough goes into making advertisements that are successful in influencing consumer behavior. McDonald's, the largest food advertiser on TV, reportedly spent $500 million on their "We love to see you smile" ad campaign. This all ads to the severe problem of  Childhood Obesity in the United States.

Consider If the program has value:

Is the program engaging your child, physically or intellectually?               Television watching doesn't have to be passive. It can prompt questions, kindle curiosity, or teach activities to pursue when the set is off.

Be Aware:                                         
Parents don't have to like every show their children likes. But parents should not be naive or trust that the creators of programs on television are responsible and understand and respect how children develop and learn. Therefore, monitor what they watch.

Make Sure Your Child Can Identify With Program And Discuss:

Young children believe that television reflects the real world. To not see people like themselves—in race, ethnicity, or physical ability, will confuse them and/or impact their self worth. Parents should start discussions about how TV portrays different types of people and how real it really is. This is particularly true with these bogus "Reality Based Programs"  that are the latest hype in TV programing.

Check With Our Hootie and Otis Page:
On a weekly basis we will review all new videos, television programs, internet sites and music marketed to children and will rate them for you.
Hootie and Otis aim to help you to keep your children safe from negative media influence. 

G: General Audiences. All ages admitted.

This means that a movie with this rating contains very little violence and no nudity, sex, or drug use. However, it may contain some tobacco or alcohol use.

PG: Parental Guidance Suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

This movie may contain adult themes, alcohol and tobacco use, some profanity, violence, or brief nudity.

PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

This means that a movie with this rating may contain more intense themes, violence, nudity, sex or language than a PG film, but not as much as an R-rated movie. It may also contain scenes of drug use.

R: Restricted: Under- 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

A movie with this rating contains adult material. It may include graphic language, violence, sex, nudity and drug use.

NC-17: No one 17 and under admitted.

Children are not admitted. A movie with this rating contains violence, sex, drug abuse, and other behavior that most parents would consider off-limits to children.

Television

The TV Parental Guidelines use seven categories to rate television programs. These ratings are often shown at the beginning of a program, or can be found in your local TV listings or TV guide. The following is a list of these categories, along with a brief description of each:

TV-Y: All Children. Whether animated or live-action, it is designed for a young audience, including ages two to six. The program is not expected to frighten younger children.

TV-Y7: Directed to Older Children. This rating means the program is suitable for children aged seven and older who can tell the difference between make-believe and reality. The program may contain mild fantasy or comedic violence that could frighten children under seven.

TV-Y7 FV: Directed to Older Children – Fantasy Violence. This rating means the program is suitable for children aged seven and older who can tell the difference between make-believe and reality. The program contains fantasy violence which is more intense or combative than TV-Y7. Violence is the central theme of the program, and the fighting is presented in an exciting way. Violent acts are glorified, and violence is used as an acceptable, effective way to solve a problem. Programs can be cartoons, live-action or a combination of both.

TV-G: General Audience. Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages. There is little to no violence, no strong language and little to no sexual content.

TV-PG: Parental Guidance Suggested. The program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. It may have an inappropriate theme, and it may contain moderate violence, some sexual content, and strong language or suggestive dialogue between characters. This rating will typically be presented as "TV PG" with the letters V, S, L or D under the rating.

TV-14: Parents Strongly Cautioned. The program contains some material potentially unsuitable for children under 14. Again, this rating may also have the above referenced letters beneath it.

TV-MA: Mature Audience. The program may be unsuitable for children under age 17. The above referenced letters may also be seen under the rating.