We all know that most children watch too much TV. Many years ago, there was usually
only one television in each house and parents could control when their children watched
TV. But in the last 30 years, this has changed. Now many children have televisions in
their bedrooms and others can watch TV on their phones and computers. It’s difficult for
parents to control how much they watch and the problem is getting worse.
2 ………………………
When there was only one television in the house, it was easier for parents to control what
and how much their children watched. The parents could switch off the TV when they
wanted to. In most countries, the TV companies were also responsible for what sort of
programmes they broadcast when children were watching. For example, they didn’t put
on shows which were frightening and they often put on programmes for children that
were educational or informative.
3 ………………………
However, children often watch TV and their parents don’t know that the TV is on. A
survey in the USA found that the majority of children (in some age groups this increases
to 70%) have a TV in their bedrooms. Many of these children do less exercise and have
more health problems compared to children who don’t. They also get lower marks in their
school tests. As well as this, children are spending more time alone in their rooms
instead of interacting with family and friends.
4 ………………………
It’s very difficult to take TV away from a child, but it is possible to control the time spent
watching. Parents can take action with computers by using parental controls on websites
like YouTube. There is also a gadget you can buy and programme to limit the number of
hours a week a child can watch TV. This applies to all TVs in the house. When a child
starts watching, he/she has to type in a special number. When they reach the limit, the
TV won’t switch on!
5 ………………………
Television can be a good thing which can help children learn a lot. However, it’s
important that parents know when a child is watching too much and it’s their
TASK 1. Read the article about children and television. The headings
are missing from the article. Choose from the headings A–E the one
which fits each gap.
A Children and TV today
B How can parents control what children watch?
C How TV watching habits have changed
D The solution: limit how much they watch
E Parents must stop children watching TV
F Children and TV in the past
G Children watch too many frightening programmes
Introduction:
The topic discusses the changes in children's television viewing habits over the years and the challenges faced by parents in controlling their screen time. Additionally, it highlights the negative impacts of excessive TV watching on children and provides strategies for parents to limit their viewing time.
Paragraph 2: F - Children and TV in the past
In the past, there was typically only one television per household. This made it easier for parents to control what and how much their children watched. They had the ability to switch off the TV whenever they desired. Furthermore, TV companies were also responsible for broadcasting appropriate content during children's viewing hours. They avoided airing frightening shows and often featured educational and informative programs for children.
Paragraph 3: A - Children and TV today
In contrast, the scenario has changed in recent years. Nowadays, many children have televisions in their bedrooms, while others can access TV shows through their phones and computers. Consequently, parents find it challenging to monitor and regulate their children's TV viewing habits. Notably, according to a survey conducted in the USA, the majority of children have a TV in their bedrooms, leading to decreased physical activity, health issues, and lower academic performance. Moreover, excessive TV viewing isolates children from social interactions with family and friends.
Paragraph 4: D - The solution: limit how much they watch
Although completely removing TV from a child's life can be difficult, it is possible to control the amount of time they spend watching. Parents can take certain measures, such as using parental controls on websites like YouTube to limit access to inappropriate content. Additionally, there are gadgets available in the market that can be programmed to restrict the number of hours a child can watch TV each week. This rule applies to all television sets in the house, ensuring consistency. When a child reaches the limit set by the parents, the TV will not switch on until the next permitted time.
Paragraph 5: B - How can parents control what children watch?
As parents, it is vital to be aware of when children are watching an excessive amount of TV. While television can have its benefits for children's learning, it is essential to maintain a balance and prevent excessive viewing. By implementing the strategies mentioned in paragraph 4, parents can take control of what their children watch and ensure that it aligns with their values and appropriate age ratings.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the shift in television viewing habits has caused difficulties for parents in controlling their children's screen time. By limiting the hours spent watching TV and utilizing parental control features, parents can ensure their children have a healthier and more balanced lifestyle, both physically and socially.