I’m
Bill Cirone, Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools.
In
setting up rules about television viewing — especially over the summer — be
sure to monitor what your children watch.
Encourage
them to choose programs that make them think; that are free of violence and
sex; and that feature characters whose values are similar to your own.
When
watching TV with your children, ask questions like, “Why do you think that
person did what he did?” Encourage your children to ask questions as well, and answer
them honestly.
Limit
overall television viewing time. During commercials, review what you just
watched and ask children to predict what will happen next.
Turn
off the television if you see things on it that you don’t like — but be sure to
explain to your child why you are doing so. Say: “I don’t like what those
people are doing because . . .”
Remember
that when children are watching TV it takes them away from other activities
like reading and sports. Plan games, trips to the library, and trips to parks
and playgrounds to take the place of TV.
Have
reference materials or a computer near the TV so additional information is
available. Have your child look up new words in a dictionary, or look at an
atlas to find places mentioned in a show. This way it’s fun and educational.
