Television and children
Disease Information
Overview
As your child grows and develop, he or she may be easily influenced by what she sees and hears, especially on television. While TV programs can be educational, many children watch too much of it. TV programs can show your child violent behavior that you do not want them to imitate, or that can cause fear.
TV may also show your child poor eating habits through commercials for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. Too much TV-watching can also take away time from reading, studying, learning activities, play, and/or exercise. TV can also show alcohol and/or drug use, smoking, and sexual behavior before a child is emotionally ready to understand these issues and practice good decision-making.
What sets Boston Children's Hospital apart when it comes to television and children?
Boston Children's Hospital is home to the Center on Media and Child Health (CMCH), a program dedicated to understanding and responding to the effects of media on the physical, mental, and social health of children through research, production, and education. Paying particular attention to TV, movies, music, and video games, the program's director, Michael Rich, MD, MPH, offers perspective on common concerns over media and suggests ways to avoid the media's negative effects.
