Discuss the Positive and Negative Effects of Television on Young Children

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nIntroduction

nIn the contemporary world, television have gained widespread popular among young children. Ultimately, various television companies in the UK such as the BBC have introduced a wide range of programmes aiming to attract more young children. Research has indicated that children spend a lot of time watching television. Consequently, this has generated debated on the effect of television on the lives of young children (Kremer et al 2014). Some scholars propose that they have positive effects while others claim that TV programmes have devastating impacts in the lives of young children.

nSome of the television programmes encourages children to acquire high levels of dynamic attention. For instance, the Teletubbies that is aired via BBC is an excellent example of such programmes. Most notably, it inspires young children with dancing, and singing. In addition, promotes imitating characters and largely responding heartily with massive joy. Similarly, children are allowed to talk back to the television (BBC 2015). Therefore, through this program young children gather useful information from TV as they grow up. Since it is both a visual and audio content, it is easier for a child to memorize and recall some concepts. The programme is also a source of crucial details including achievements, discoveries and incidents, which have positive impacts on their lives (Kremer et al 2014).

nNonetheless, watching television programmes including Teletubbies for too long can have negative effects on childrens lives. A study by Radesky, Schumacher and Zuckerman (2015) noted that this could cause negative impact on the early development of brain among children. The researcher suggested that spending more time on TV particularly at ages below two years would affect their ability to talk. They also disrupt sleep of young children and raise the anxiety levels (Radesky, Schumacher and Zuckerman 2015). Therefore, parents are advised to ensure that their young children do no spend a lot of time watching their favourite television programs.

nConclusion

nMost children love watching their popular television programmes. Some of these programmes such as Teletubbies offer education opportunities for these children as they impart knowledge in their lives. However, when they are watched for too long it can affect the development of the brain (Kremer et al 2014). Therefore, young children should have enough time to play rather than watching television.

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nReferences

nBBC, (2015). Teletubbies, Series 1: 1. Making Friends. [online] BBC iPlayer. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06ptpq7/teletubbies-series-1-1-making-friends#group=b00703vg [Accessed 18 Feb. 2017].

nKremer, P., Elshaug, C., Leslie, E., Toumbourou, J.W., Patton, G.C. and Williams, J., 2014. Physical activity, leisure-time screen use and depression among children and young adolescents. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 17(2), pp.183-187.

nRadesky, J.S., Schumacher, J. and Zuckerman, B., 2015. Mobile and interactive media use by young children: the good, the bad, and the unknown. Pediatrics, 135(1), pp.1-3.