TV Should Not Be A Babysitter!

October 3, 2000

Television is a type of entertainment for our daily lives. It is something nice to have, but we don't necessarily need it. TV is a luxury, and I think we go over the limit. Parents take advantage of TV to baby-sit their children. We don't tend to think what damage that can do. 

Have you ever sat down and taken a look at your children when they are watching TV? Their minds are dragged toward it so much that sometimes when you call their names, they don't realize that you are calling them. Yes! TV is a time filler, and it is a good way to get rid of the kids, but there is no content. What can our children learn? Are we too indolent to be around them? TV should not be used to substitute for parents' love and care. Children are missing interacting with their parents. Everything on TV is phony. It is not like real people to deal with. How can children learn about everyday life if they watch TV?

Just the other day, I went to my friend's house. I witnessed how sickeningly the family dealt with their little daughter, Pamela. Father, Ken, was in one corner doing a research paper, and mother, Penny, was getting dinner ready. Baby Pamela was only four years old sitting in a big room with no activity to do but watch Teletubbies and Barney. Her eyes were dazed. All she said was, "Barney, Barney." There was no mommy or daddy in her picture. I don't think they existed in her mind. At that time, I was really quiet and paid attention to the surroundings. The father Ken didn't even take a look at baby Pamela at all. All he was worried about was getting his work done. Mother, Penny, was telling me how good Pamela was when she is all by herself. Of course I was a guest, and I didn't say anything, but I did ask why they didn't find an activity for their baby. The mother was quiet and said that Pamela loved Teletubbies and Barney, and that it was an educational program. I didn't want to be rude, so I kept my mouth shut, but inside I felt terrible for their Pamela. No one paid any attention to Pamela, so I went over and talked to her. She didn't want to talk, and when I finally got her attention, she couldn't speak in clear, full sentences at all. I wasn't surprised. Pamela was missing interacting with people and using language. There was no real content from watching those shows. I believe that the producers behind these TV shows main purpose was to grab the attention of little baby to sell products and make money. It is not moral. By the way, this was not the first time I came to their house, and like any other day, I knew where to look for baby Pamela once I stepped in the house. 

Maybe this is the way societies deal with children. We brought them into this world, and we can do what we want. They don't know if it is bad, and we should be the ones to guide them. They deserve more attention from us. Their mind is capable of learning everything around us, so why let TV be in charge?