Yeah... I can't believe I just said that. But according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, average kids from ages 8-18 spend roughly 7.5 hours a day watching TV, using their cellphones, listening to music, playing video games, using the computer and so on. How is that a bad thing? Well according to Kim Painter of USA Today “Many experts, including the pediatrics academy, consider that much screen time bad for mental and physical health”
(at least HE'S a level 80 warlock)
This is where parents come in. Studies have shown that kids whose parents set rules spend 3 hours less on the computer or TV. They also
-Do better in school
-Drive safer
-And have a lower chance of smoking.
Now don’t start ruling your kids with an iron fist, parents. The most effective parents not only set rules, but enforce those rules in a supportive and kind way.
15 comments:
I really don't think the results of the study are that surprising.
It's pretty logical to think that kids who have less distractions and are not overly influenced by movies/TV/internet act more responsibly and make better decisions.
I thought this was obvious?
Well, regardless of the facts, teenagers still refuse to listen to their parents simply because they feel like they're "grown up" or they're an "adult." Of course, parents shouldn't be abusive with their discipline but they shouldn't just shake a finger at their child and say "Naughty, naughty ..."
I've developed a good relationship with my parents, so I don't experience these kinds of problems as often.
Though I hate to say it, this article makes sense. With less parental authority that would make an influence, most kids will not make the best choices.
That's why on some level I always respected teachers who were really strict and mean because they were able to control their class, opposed to fun, easy teachers who couldn't control their students.
-Molly Cheng
To Molly:
"That's why on some level I always respected teachers who were really strict and mean because they were able to control their class, opposed to fun, easy teachers who couldn't control their students."
I can think of a few here at Aragon.
agreed... it makes since that sitting in the front of the computer, tv , video games etc would take away time that kids might be playing outdoors(exercising) and hanging out with friends/socializing. I dont blame kids for using technology though... I am doing so as we speak. But defienently limiting excessive time in front of a screen seems beneficial for all
Its sad that even though we as teens know what will happen from sitting in front of the computer too long, we still do it and get addicted to it. I had a conversation with a junior today and she's said "I can't stop watching youtube videos. I started at ten and found out it was 3 in the morning after I looked at the clock." ;( We need more self control.
I agree with Dana and basically everyone else, the results aren't surprising at all and it does make a lot of logical sense. With less distractions, we are more likely to do better in school etc.
Well I guess it is true. Usually I work better when I turn off aim or get off facebook.
Parents are always complaining that teenagers are always doing homework while listening to music or something when the fact is that some people are just more accustomed to multi-tasking. I listen to music not because its distracting me from my homework while I try to catch the lyrics, but also because i'm not used to doing work in such a quiet environment.
Level 80 warlocks get owned by paladins.
Parental authority extends as far as their reasoning goes. If their reasoning cannot withstand argument, then it is usually not worth listening to. That's just conservative ramble.
In psychology, there are three classifications of parenting: authoritarian, authoritative, and I forgot what the third one's called, but it's a hands-off approach to parenting. AuthoriTARIAN parents are strict parents that tell their kids what to do simply because they are the parents. AuthoriTATIVE parents rule with reason; they explain why they tell their kids what to do. They are neither too strict nor too laxed. The third kind of parent is the "do whatever you want" kind of parent- the kind that would allot their kids too much time on digital media.
Clearly, authoritative parents are the best parents.
Overall, I agree that listening to parents is a good idea, but there is a generational gap that they sometimes do not understand which leads to tension. Also, many parents are too restrictive of freedoms which might make kids rebel even more. There is a perfect balance for each family that can only be reached throw compromise and understanding and maybe a little trial and error.
I agree.. video games and t.v shows have various influences on kids because of the violence being portrayed in video games and also people doing illegal and "cool" actions on t.v that are bad influences on kids.
Technology is advancing, so it's no surprise that the average teenager spends too much of their time watching tv, communicating on cellphones, or playing video games. That time wasted could have been used to develop good habits such as studying or working around the house. Although all those things aren't bad, parents ought to set limits for their children and help them develop good habits. If the children have good and healthy habits, it'll help lead them to a successful future.
Remember what we learned today and yesterday about opportunity cost? I would be super super rich if I had worked all the hours i've wasted on aim, oovoo, facebook etc.
i agree that people should start listening to their parents. They need to understand that parents our here to be our guidence and couselors and there here to help us for the better. They have been through many experiences and know these things for a reason. These statistics are not suprising and should be changed. I believe that if we create enough organizations out side of school we will be able to stop this. It will help a great deal and even health will increase greatly.
I totally agree. I mean it makes perfect sense that those who have a good relationship with their parents will be more likely to succeed at what they're doing (in general). I feel like growing up in a solid and positive environment will help a kid utilize the most potential throughout life. And going back to the old fashion way of getting outside for exercise and not being glued to all sorts of the new technology we have around today would also be great for kids.
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