How to Monitor Children's Television Habits

Watching TV can be fun, and most families love to watch their favorite shows. However, it is very important to monitor the television habits of our children. Learn exactly how to do that for your kids' benefit.

Things You'll Need

• Ti-Vo
• V-Chip

Instructions

1. The first step to monitoring your children’s TV habits is to pick the stations they are permitted to watch. With an older child, you can tell him what stations he can watch and when. Set rules and limitations as to how long the TV can stay on. Watch the shows with your children and see just what they are viewing. An informed parent is a smart one.

2. Use parental blockers on your television. The V-Chip is a very popular choice to block programs that may be unsuitable for children, as it is built into most TV sets. You can activate the V-Chip by reading the how-to in your owner’s manual and by using your remote control. The popular use of Ti-Vo has made it possible to record programs and then fast forward through the commercials in a program that may be unsuitable.

3. Know your television ratings. Y is the rating for shows suitable for all children, Y7 is for children ages 7 and above. Y7-FV is suitable for children seven and above, but may contain fantasy violence. G is for General Audience, PG is for Parental Guidance. The rating 14 is for Parents Strongly Cautioned, and M is for Mature Audiences only, while rated R is for Restricted. Understanding the ratings on the shows and movies your children watch is extremely important to monitoring their television habits.

4. Engage in other activites. After you have set a limit to TV time, stick to it. Plan family activities instead of TV time. Play a game, read a book to younger kids, go outside. The possibilities are endless. Do not let the TV become the babysitter. Get involved with your children as much as possible.

5. Above all, set a good example and don’t always have the TV on. More importantly, do not be a couch potato yourself. Children do as they see done, so set a great example by turning off the TV and becoming active.

Tips & Warnings

• If all else fails, unplug the TV. Think of the electricity you'll save.