As time has progressed, media has quickly become a very large part of people’s lives. A large way that this has happened is through television. Pretty much every house across the entire United States is home to at least one TV. With this comes an excessive amount of time that people spend mindlessly watching various shows that interest them. The large diversity of content available across numerous channels and streaming platforms ensures that there is something for everyone, from dramas to documentaries to news programs. However, alongside the undeniable entertainment value, concerns have risen regarding the potential consequences of excessive television consumption. Despite these opinions, television remains a relevant thing for shaping opinions, sharing and gaining information, and allowing for cultural exchange on a global level. As technology continues to advance and viewing habits change, the influence of television on society is likely to occur, navigating the balance between entertainment and education in the modern day.
A big controversy that has stemmed from this fact is children watching television. People have very polarizing opinions about the idea of kids watching TV. Some believe that there is no problem with children watching television, as it serves as an entertaining thing for them to engage in in their free time. Some, on the other hand, believe that watching television is harmful to little children, and parents who let their kids watch too much of it are poor caregivers. Although both ends of the spectrum are extreme, I believe that there is a happy medium right in the middle that is most beneficial to children as they grow up and their brains start to develop into young adults.
Banning kids completely from television is shielding them from the real world and not letting them have any escapes. Since online media is such a huge part of our world today, it is important that little kids get exposed to it. If not when they are younger, everyone will be forced to eventually deal with online media. If it is foreign to people until they are much older, that could make things more difficult for them as they grow up.
On the other end of the spectrum, I do believe that overexposure to television can be equally, if not more, harmful. Although it is an easy way for parents to keep their kids busy while they don’t have to do anything, it is still important for kids to have more hands-on and physical entertainment. Whether this be through playing outside or doing crafts with their parents, TV should not be the sole form of entertainment for children. Doing more physical activity will not only increase physical health but the child’s mental health as well. Leaning solely on television to keep children entertained can be detrimental to their health. A good balance is key for this topic of discussion.
Another controversy that surrounds the idea of television is what shows are appropriate for little kids to watch. Popular shows that parents often do not let their kids watch include shows like Sponge Bob and Family Guy. A lot of parents do not let their kids watch these shows because of their heavy usage of mature humor and inappropriateness. Especially in younger children, these shows are often seen as inappropriate for their age level. A lot of parents ban their children from watching certain shows for this reason, and only let them watch shows made specifically for their age group. This emphasis on content moderation reflects a broader desire among parents to shield their children from potentially harmful influences while ensuring them with a safe media environment. As discussions surrounding media morality and parental guidance continue to evolve, the search for suitable television programming for children underscores the complex discussion between entertainment, education, and ethical considerations in the digital age.
On the flip side, some parental figures believe that it is fine for children to watch these kinds of shows. They believe that kids being exposed to more mature material is actually beneficial for them because it helps them learn and be exposed to the real world. As long as children are told that they cannot behave in that manner, there is no reason they cannot watch those kinds of shows for their own entertainment.
In my opinion, it is totally okay for children to watch these shows. There is nothing harmful about adult humor and many people find these shows genuinely enjoyable. I do think, however, that parents should step in if it gets too far. For example, if children start to use inappropriate language that is learned from these shows, then they should take a break from watching them, and be taught that that is not okay. They should also not exclusively watch these shows, and should still make sure to watch more age-appropriate things.
