Media Limitations: Why or Why Not?
October 11th 2008 15:56
I’ve been giving a lot of thought to media limitations ever since we welcomed our nephew into our household. There is a lot of debate surrounding this subject for obvious reasons. Many adults believe there is no need to limit how often a child uses their computer, the television, an iPod, text features on a cell phone, and so on.
The truth of the matter is simple: there needs to be limitations.
Why? There are a number of studies focused on this subject located here:
· AAP PARENTING CORNER Q & A: TV AND YOUR FAMILY
· SUMMARY OF STRIKING A BALANCE – THE CONTROL OF CHILDREN’S MEDIA ...
· Setting Limits For Your Children - How to Set Limits for TV ...
· Setting limits to video games for teenagers - FamilyEducation.com
· Set Limits on Computer, Video Game, or TV Time | Scholastic.com
As you may have already guessed, I’m in favor of setting limits. There’s nothing more annoying than trying to carry on a conversation with someone who is preoccupied by the media they’re using (particularly text messages that come in while they’re in mid-sentence). We have a leg up when it comes to our younger children because they won’t have to worry about developing and kicking bad habits.
However, we’re going to be facing challenges with this with our nephew because he’s never had such limitations . . . therefore, I has no clear understanding about why they need to be there. Rather than putting him in a position of discomfort or making him feel this is a disciplinary measure, I prefer arming myself with as much information to give him as possible when the inevitable “why” questions pop into our conversation.
Which side of the fence are you on with this matter?
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