Studies have shown that children who watch better-quality and more age-appropriate shows experience fewer negative effects from TV, even if they watch the same amount as other children. So, choosing shows carefully for your child has a huge positive impact. Here are factors to consider, resources, and mistakes to avoid when choosing shows for your child:
- Does it contain inappropriate content? To avoid exposing your child to graphic violence, sex scenes, or foul language, you can check the show’s rating and reviews.
- Does it support your values? Even if a show doesn’t have explicit content, it still might not present your worldview. Some shows have a political or religious bias that you might disagree with. Different parents have different priorities, so make sure that the show upholds yours.
- Does it promote good behavior? Since children mimic what they see, shows about bratty children or irresponsible teenagers can have a bad influence. Instead, you can find shows where the characters behave in a way that you’d like your child to imitate.
- Is it too scary or negative? Since children are very sensitive, a show that has good role models and matches your values can still upset a child if it deals with difficult themes. You can choose shows based on your child’s unique sensitivities. For example, a child who loves animals might not like a show where animal characters die.
- Does it have educational value? There’s nothing wrong with watching a silly show just for fun, but it’s even better if it’s both entertaining and educational! Nature shows are a great way to promote wonder and teach your child about the world around her. If you want your child to learn a second language, you could play shows for him in that language. There are also clever children’s shows that you might find yourself enjoying, too.
How to Find Shows That Meet Your Standards:
- Read online reviews. You can find reviews that discuss how child-friendly a show or movie is. Common Sense Media is a good resource for this. You might disagree with its rating of who the show is appropriate for, but it provides valuable information on potentially problematic content. It also includes reviews from parents with different perspectives. Reading one-star reviews is a great way to find potential criticisms for a movie before your child watches it.
- Preview it yourself. This can be time-consuming, but even watching a few minutes of a show or movie is worthwhile, because it can give you a basic sense of the themes and content. You can also research online to find potentially problematic scenes from the show and preview them.
- When you can, watch TV with your child. This isn’t realistic for many parents, but even the occasional movie night is beneficial. It gives you a chance to fast-forward as needed and discuss the more difficult scenes with your child. Even better, watching alongside your child will strengthen your relationship and provide time to snuggle together, giving TV a positive impact.
- Ask other parents. Other parents at your child’s school, in your neighborhood, or in a social group you’re part of can be good resources. You can ask them specific questions about a movie or show’s message and content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- “I watched it when I was a kid.” You’re a unique parent. Even if your parents chose your shows carefully, you might have different criteria than they did. The shows you loved as a child are a great starting point to consider, but make sure to do your own research and refresh your memory. Also, a sequel or remake of a trusted movie isn’t always as appropriate as the original.
- “It’s rated G.” A G-rating means that certain minimum requirements have been met for appropriateness, but the movie might not align with your personal values. Also, societal standards have changed over time, so older G-rated movies didn’t have to meet quite the same standard.
- “My child’s peers watch it.” Different parents have different standards, and parents don’t always closely monitor their child’s TV intake. It’s great to get recommendations from other parents, but make sure they meet your standards.
- “Episode 1 was fine.” Shows can become increasingly sensational as they progress, so one appropriate episode doesn’t guarantee that a show will meet your standards.
- “Cartoons are always innocent.” Many cartoons are created for adult audiences. Some have actively inappropriate content, and they are certainly not guaranteed to support your values.
Finding good shows and movies for your child can be challenging, but it’s truly worthwhile. The TV your child watches affects her brain development, relationships, behavior, and emotional health. So, putting thought into it now will lead to huge benefits, both now and later.
By Clare Hettich
Sources:
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=television-and-children-90-P02294https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-translator/202405/what-the-research-says-about-the-best-tv-shows-for-your-kiTelevision and Childrend
