Other negative effects of TV viewing have been well documented over the years. Hundreds of studies have shown a direct correlation between viewing violence on TV and increased aggression in children. Some experts will go so far as to say that seeing frequent violent acts desensitizes children and may cause them to correlate violence with pleasure. Any teacher will tell you that too much TV equals too little reading. If you want your children to grow as readers, educators recommend that you limit television viewing.
Some families allow their children to watch TV only on weekends.
Others suggest placing a limit of one hour per day. Setting new limits can be hard, but it isn't long before children find other activities that are far more conducive to learning. In the same report cited above, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents do not allow older children to have television sets in their rooms. They suggest, for instance, that you discuss special effects and how they are created with camera angling and slow motion. In our series, How Is My -Grader Doing in School , Dottie Raymer and I also suggest ways that parents can use television as a teaching tool.