Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro
Pediatrician
Dr. Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego, earning a B.S. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and a B.A. in Political Science. He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Public…
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LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Time for TV Turnoff
8
Posted in Adoption by Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro on Apr 18, 2009
 

Next week, April 20-26, is officially (TV) Turnoff Week.  This week serves as a reminder of the importance of reduced television time and greater physical activity for our children...something we should all be already aware of.  As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a partner in this event, it also presents an opportunity to highlight a few of the AAP guidelines (please visit http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;107/2/423 for the complete list):

  • No TV in your child's bedroom.
  • Find alternative forms of entertainment for your children...reading, athletics, arts and crafts.
  • In general, limit your children's total media time (TV, video games, computer-not homework related) to no more than 1-2 hours a day.
  • Monitor the shows your child is watching...it should be informational, educational, and nonviolent.

But it is this last point I'd like to expand upon and discuss further.  Not only should the TV choices be informational, educational, and nonviolent, but what about being non-sassy and without attitude.  We already have good evidence demonstrating the link between children who view violent video games and television are more likely to be violent.  And yes, even Tom & Jerry (a childhood favorite of mine I must admit) has violent tendencies.  Just watch a few minutes and I think you'll understand what I'm saying.

 

But I am also amazed with the number of behavioral concerns parents come to me with in regard to their rude or sassy children.  And as we discuss all the possible influences their children encounter on a daily basis (school, parents, siblings), I am surprised when I hear of some of the TV choices in the household...SpongeBob and Hannah Montana to name just a couple.  And before every fan of these two shows responds defending Bob and Mylie, I ask that you sit down and try and watch these shows from a child's perspective.  Note the tone in the voice, the rolling of the eyes, the curt responses and then determine whether this is something you want your young child doing...because they will.

 

It even pains me to bring up Peanuts as, well, who doesn't love Charlie Brown and the gang but really, just check out some of the words that comes out of Lucy's mouth.  And as far as the occasional slip up by yours truly in my household...sure, it happens.  Something I am certainly not proud of, particularly when I hear my 5 year old son repeating it the next day.

 

So as this upcoming week is TV Turnoff Week, please use this as a reminder as to monitor not only how much your children are watching, but what your children are actually watching.

 

 

Dr. Jeremy

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Displaying comments 8-1 of 8
8
One of the AAP's main goal is to prepare its members to be the most-qualified health professionals who care and advocate for children. Throuh its continuing medical education (CME) program, members can develop, maintain, and/or increase their knowledge, skills and professional performance. Meanwhile, a lot of people out there have a fever, but it isn't for more cowbell, it's for Kentucky Fried Chicken coupons. KFC has paired up with Oprah for a promotion, and the Oprah Winfrey KFC coupons have become one of the most popular sites on the internet. The Kentucky Fried Chicken coupons allow for one free grilled chicken meal, to promote their new grilled chicken. No short term loans or money needed to download; just look up the site and a person can download up to 4 coupons. You get two pieces of chicken, two sides and a biscuit. Some wonder if the company will need debt relief from all the free food given out from Kentucky Fried Chicken coupons.
By JamieDelaney  May 13, 2009
7
FYI, there is also a TV Turn Off Week in the Fall.
By DrJeremy  Apr 26, 2009
6
I am considering taking tv out of my life for good. Sometimes I think that when I will have a family we might not have one in our house. However, I think it's not easy to decide which shows are good and which are bad. It depends on how the kids will react to them.
By rockittie88  Apr 22, 2009
5
I watch TV once a week for half an hour. I watch The Office...and thats it! I gladly recognize and support this cause.
By SuperUnglued  Apr 21, 2009
4
My children have never been shut in their bedrooms, watching TV.

We never allowed them to HAVE TVs in their rooms!

Youngest child, now sixteen, has always been a keen walker, prefering to be outdoors than watching TV.

I don't see a link between the kids who spend most of their free time glued to the TV/PC and obesity.

My son's friends who DO have a sedentary lifestyle are NOT overweight.....

I feel that genetics play more of a part than lifestyle.
By mixi  Apr 21, 2009
3
Recently we had a Binkie Addict leaving a basketball game, a young woman of 29, so busy blabbering on her cell phone that she walked straight into the side of a five ton delivery truck, fell under its wheels and was killed. Yesterday a father blabbering on his cell phone lost control of his car and drove into an irrigation ditch, drowning his five children. We have had numerous incidents of teenagers being run over by fire trucks, trains, cars, buses, and falling to their deaths because their Binkies were turned up so loudly that they could hear nothing around them until it killed them. And I myself have been knocked to the ground by adults with their head down and their thumbs twiddling madly, their entire attention focused on a two inch screen -- and had heavy doors hit me in the face as Binkie Addicts with glazed eyes flung them wide as they charged through.

Nobody much watches teevee anymore. What we need is a Put The Binkie Down Week.
By Appleby  Apr 20, 2009
2
I thought it was TURN THE TV OFF next week. Not reduce the number of hours. Actually, I think we should detach ourselves from all digital equipment...IPOD, XBox, Computer. What would happen if we had to just talk to each other and be involved in our community for just one week. It's sad that many people can't do this. We are all so addicted to technology and TV. There is so much magic in the world, especially for children, it's called play. Adults can do it too.
By Pennyphone  Apr 19, 2009
1
I watched these programs with my kids and we discussed *What would happen in real life if you said that/did that/acted that way?* My kids knew the difference between reality and teevee because their mother took the trouble to explain it to them. Not to mention to teach them how to behave. Incidentally, when I saw Brats (my kids are now in their twenties) misbehaving in restaurants, concerts, movie theatres and church, I also asked *What would happen if you acted like that?* and let them answer loud and clear, lest they get any ideas from Modern Murmuring Mommies that such activity was Cute.

My kids are saucy; they are intelligent and they find language an excellent tool. But they know that there is a time and a place for such behaviour, and in the main they observe the boundaries.
By Appleby  Apr 19, 2009
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