Know what your kids are watching to create a frank dialogue.
An hour or two of television can seem like a harmless way for teens to pass the time. It's when the content of those television shows is more closely monitored that some parents find the media to be a problem for their kids. If you're worried about your teen's television usage, consider the negative influence that unrealistic portrayals of real-life situations can affect the way your teen views the world. Paying better attention can help create dialogue between you and your teen on a healthy amount of television and appropriate shows.
Violence
Television shows that focus on murder investigations, the habits of mob families and high-stakes spies can skew a teen's perception of violence and other social situations. On television, perpetuating violence doesn't always have consequences. Instead, the lives of those involved seem glamorous and exciting. A teen who watches violent media may not understand the repercussions of such activity. The real threat of consequence seems to be removed, causing perception issues in teens who are tempted to mimic their television heroes.
Sexuality
One of the biggest issues in teen television viewing is the increased sexuality that is depicted on television. Whether it's a reality show about pregnant teens or a late-night soap about sexually active high school students, the amount and quality of sex can confuse teens. A study published in a 2009 issue of "Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health" found that 61 percent of females and 39 percent of males who were sexually active wished they had waited to have sex. Television viewership was associated with this regret, suggesting that viewing sex on TV perpetuated unrealistic expectations of the actual experience. Even if you're sure your teen isn't sexually active, exposure to certain methods of dress, dance and behavior can influence your teen's actions, which can then lead to sexual behavior.
Education
Television watching can not only influence your teen's social behavior, but her report card as well. A 2008 study in the "Pediatrics" journal found that older adolescents who had a television in their room generally had poorer school performance than those who did not. While the study didn't explore the specific reasons for the lack of academic performance, skipping studying for television and mimicking the behaviors of teens on TV could be factors.
Physical Activity
Watching television is a completely sedentary activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 18 percent of teens can be considered obese, a startling increase from 30 years ago, when the obesity rate for teens was just 5 percent. Screen time, including television viewing and computer usage, can be partially blamed for the skyrocketing obesity rates. Instead of getting the 60 minutes of physical activity per day that your child needs to stay healthy, the lure of television proves to be a temptation for teens. A lack of physical activity can pile on the pounds, but also can be a catalyst for self-esteem issues and depression as well.
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