To watch TV or not watch TV that is the question

None of this should be surprising: it is common sense. Certainly parental rules can influence viewing and parents who have a positive attitude towards television generally view with their children.

So the answer is to use television in moderation. Used sensibly by parents - as part of a day of balanced activities – children and families benefit. Television is helpful for relaxation, for babysitting, for giving time out and reducing conflict. Yes, interaction with parents is vital to child development but parents cannot be interacting with children all day. They need relief and opportunities to fulfill other work and family demands.

For years I have decried the banal, unimaginative, commercialism and benign morality of much of the fodder that fills children's timeslots. Interestingly Emily Nussbaum, the New Yorker's television critic believes there is a renaissance in children's programming. She cites shows which respect the medium's strengths and constraints without viewing kids with disdain. Shows like the Dutch Miffy and Friends, the British Charlie and Lola, Little Bill, The Backyardigans, Yo Gabba Gabba, Wonder Pets, Phineas and Ferb which have screened on PBS, Disney and Nickelodeon as the channels search for the new blockbuster. We need more of such programs.

Asking parents to turn off television is unrealistic: as a policy goal it will fail. The argument should be about insisting children are offered quality television to watch.