TV in kids room?

[eliza61]

My kids are 19 and 21 and still don't have a tv in their room. I did not like most of the programming on tv. I don't like how women are portrayed 90% of the time, definitely hate how African American males are portrayed and loathe, hate and despise reality tv.

We didn't have cable access until well into their teens and we really only got it for the internet. We have 2 TV's total. one in the kitchen and one in the basement. We brought a tv for my son's dorm room his first year in college last year, when I picked him up in May, the thing was still in the box unopened. He says he rarely watches tv. I was very happy to hear that.

 

[squirrel]

I don't have kids but I was a kid that had a TV in her room growing up.

Since we only had a TV in the living room and I was the oldest I got a TV in my room. My parents never had a TV in their bedroom (still don't).

Sometimes it was great having a TV in there but other times I felt left out of the family. If I wanted to watch anything my sisters would want to watch something else so I would have to go to my room or let them into my room (which I think I did once and they made such a mess, I just went to my room after that). With homework and TV time I was in my room a lot.

 

[irishsharon]

And maybe spongebob, I hate that guy.[/QUOTE]

 

[mhsjax]

What is your goal? I think bedroom TVs encourage kids to spend more time alone in their rooms, rather than together with family, make it harder to monitor what they watch, interfere with sleep and serve as a distraction to things that kids are supposed to be doing in the bedrooms--like getting ready for school or cleaning the room or maybe homework. Also it seems to me that kids watch more tv if the tv is in a bedroom--and what kid needs to watch more tv?

What benefits do people see to TVs in kids' rooms?

All 3 of my kids have TVs in their rooms. They do not distract one bit. If TV distracts your kid from getting ready for school, you have bigger problems.

AT this point, I don't care if my kids spend time in their rooms, we don't require a lot of family time. However, they still do watch some tv shows with us and our family time is spent our and about, not sitting at home.

My kids really don't watch a lot of TV, but it is nice for them to have them because we all like different shows. I know growing up, my dad watched shows that were on the same time as mine and I never got to watch them. If my kids have a show that they like, who cares if they go back into their rooms to watch it.

Also it is great when they are sick, they can lay in their beds and watch tv. I personally love having TVs in their rooms. Other may not, but they are the evil they are made out to be. Mine know when they can and can't watch TV, and they don't even do their homework in their rooms.

It all boils down to this, parent your kids, set up rules and TVs are a problem.

Also for us, my kids don't want to spend time in their rooms "reading or being creative or whatever" sorry but for teens this really is almost silly at least for mine. They go in their rooms at night to decompress. they are gone all day long with school and sports. they are busy and we are busy and usually we are together at their practices TV is a way to relax and chill. Just because you have a tv in your room doesn't mean you are glued to it. I have seen so many posts that seem to feel that way. AGain if you don't want TVs in your kids rooms that is your choice as a parent, but to say that is causes laziness or they could be doing better things or they won't watch the right shows, that is silly.

 

[mhsjax]

I agree with this 100%. Putting yourself to sleep is an important skill that some kids don't get the chance to develop.

Those skills should be taught as babies, mine were. Now they are tweens and teens they are more than capable of putting themselves to sleep. TV in a room has nothing to do with it. OH and my DD can't stand to have the TV one when it is time to go to sleep. ANd like others have pointed out, she is the exact opposite of that article. She does her homework, she works out like crazy. She does like her sweets but she monitors herself because she is always in training for her chosen sport. Despite having the wicked TV in her room.

 

[DPickering]

All 3 of my kids have TVs in their rooms. They do not distract one bit. If TV distracts your kid from getting ready for school, you have bigger problems.

AT this point, I don't care if my kids spend time in their rooms, we don't require a lot of family time. However, they still do watch some tv shows with us and our family time is spent our and about, not sitting at home.

My kids really don't watch a lot of TV, but it is nice for them to have them because we all like different shows. I know growing up, my dad watched shows that were on the same time as mine and I never got to watch them. If my kids have a show that they like, who cares if they go back into their rooms to watch it.

Also it is great when they are sick, they can lay in their beds and watch tv. I personally love having TVs in their rooms. Other may not, but they are the evil they are made out to be. Mine know when they can and can't watch TV, and they don't even do their homework in their rooms.

It all boils down to this, parent your kids, set up rules and TVs are a problem.

Also for us, my kids don't want to spend time in their rooms "reading or being creative or whatever" sorry but for teens this really is almost silly at least for mine. They go in their rooms at night to decompress. they are gone all day long with school and sports. they are busy and we are busy and usually we are together at their practices TV is a way to relax and chill. Just because you have a tv in your room doesn't mean you are glued to it. I have seen so many posts that seem to feel that way. AGain if you don't want TVs in your kids rooms that is your choice as a parent, but to say that is causes laziness or they could be doing better things or they won't watch the right shows, that is silly.

Other may not, but they are the evil they are made out to be?
It all boils down to this, parent your kids, set up rules and TVs are a problem?
heh I think you missed the word 'not' a few times. Or maybe you didn't.

 

[mhsjax]

Other may not, but they are the evil they are made out to be?
It all boils down to this, parent your kids, set up rules and TVs are a problem?
heh I think you missed the word 'not' a few times. Or maybe you didn't.

Thanks, I did miss "not". Not enough coffee to post what I mean. lol

 

[babydoll65]

My son has had a tv in his room since he was 12. When asked for a xbox for Christmas my husband did not want that connected to our tv in the living room so that's when he started with the tv. He is now 16 and we have not had any problems with this. He often watches tv with us and when baseball season starts that's when he tends to spend some time in his room. I'm the huge baseball fan and his favorite show is modern marvels. I know tv can be a distraction so ALL homework is done at the kitchen table .

 

[Mickey1Fan]

DS had a TV when he was about 13. I told him he could have a TV when he bought one himself. He saved his umpiring pay and bought a TV. He was very proud of his first 'major' purchase.

He had restrictions of course that changed as he got older. It was not a distraction to school work and it made him save his umpiring pay every year.

He is now 32 and married and still umping - last year he saved all his pay to join a golf course this year. His wife told him it was not coming out of the budget but he could save the money he earned umpiring and join. That would be the only money that was his alone.

 

[cobright]

He is now 32 and married and still umping - last year he saved all his pay to join a golf course this year. His wife told him it was not coming out of the budget but he could save the money he earned umpiring and join. That would be the only money that was his alone.

Absent any greater understanding of your son's household, I would say he traded one mother in for another. Wow. I mean, my wife's salary brings in several times my own income most years and I still get an allowance. She's even letting me go to Disney world with her and my kids.

 

[smitch425]

He is now 32 and married and still umping - last year he saved all his pay to join a golf course this year. His wife told him it was not coming out of the budget but he could save the money he earned umpiring and join. That would be the only money that was his alone.

Absent any greater understanding of your son's household, I would say he traded one mother in for another. Wow. I mean, my wife's salary brings in several times my own income most years and I still get an allowance. She's even letting me go to Disney world with her and my kids.

Im glad she is allowing you to join them.

 

[drcmk]

Despite having the wicked TV in her room.

Why do you think a tv is "wicked?" My kids and I enjoy watching television programs. I just don't want televisions in their bedrooms.

 

[MrsPete]

What is your goal? I think bedroom TVs encourage kids to spend more time alone in their rooms, rather than together with family, make it harder to monitor what they watch, interfere with sleep and serve as a distraction to things that kids are supposed to be doing in the bedrooms--like getting ready for school or cleaning the room or maybe homework. Also it seems to me that kids watch more tv if the tv is in a bedroom--and what kid needs to watch more tv?

What benefits do people see to TVs in kids' rooms?

Yeah, this. You won't find a study anywhere that says kids benefit from being apart from the family more, but you'll find plenty that say that a personal TV is a negative influence on a child.

People will say that it depends upon how you raise the child, and they personally don't have any problems . . . but clearly it's a negative for the majority of kids. ALL the studies aren't wrong.

 

[cobright]

What benefits do people see to TVs in kids' rooms?

This is from a list at about.com where you can find more detailed descriptions.
1. TV can help kids learn about a variety of subjects.
2. Through media, kids can explore places, animals, or things that they couldn’t see otherwise.
3. TV shows can inspire kids to try new activities and engage in "unplugged" learning.
4. TV and movies can motivate kids to read books.
5. Kids can build analytical skills by discussing media.
6. Parents can use TV to help kids learn the truth about advertising.
7. Good role models and examples on TV can positively influence kids.

I think with attentive parenting the TV can be a valuable tool and resource, and sometimes the kids using the TV coincides with their mother watching a Bones marathon.

 

[Pigeon]

This is from a list at about.com where you can find more detailed descriptions.
1. TV can help kids learn about a variety of subjects.
2. Through media, kids can explore places, animals, or things that they couldn’t see otherwise.
3. TV shows can inspire kids to try new activities and engage in "unplugged" learning.
4. TV and movies can motivate kids to read books.
5. Kids can build analytical skills by discussing media.
6. Parents can use TV to help kids learn the truth about advertising.
7. Good role models and examples on TV can positively influence kids.

I think with attentive parenting the TV can be a valuable tool and resource, and sometimes the kids using the TV coincides with their mother watching a Bones marathon.

I'm sorry, but that's hilarious. Sure, some of those things could happen, but it's not very likely that any of them will on a regular basis.

 

[drcmk]

This is from a list at about.com where you can find more detailed descriptions.
1. TV can help kids learn about a variety of subjects.
2. Through media, kids can explore places, animals, or things that they couldn’t see otherwise.
3. TV shows can inspire kids to try new activities and engage in "unplugged" learning.
4. TV and movies can motivate kids to read books.
5. Kids can build analytical skills by discussing media.
6. Parents can use TV to help kids learn the truth about advertising.
7. Good role models and examples on TV can positively influence kids.

That articles answers the question "What is the benefit of tv?" and I don't disagree. But the question I asked was "What is the benefit of a tv in a kid's bedroom?" All of that can be accomplished with a family tv.

 

[MrsPete]

This is from a list at about.com where you can find more detailed descriptions.
1. TV can help kids learn about a variety of subjects.
2. Through media, kids can explore places, animals, or things that they couldn’t see otherwise.
3. TV shows can inspire kids to try new activities and engage in "unplugged" learning.
4. TV and movies can motivate kids to read books.
5. Kids can build analytical skills by discussing media.
6. Parents can use TV to help kids learn the truth about advertising.
7. Good role models and examples on TV can positively influence kids.

I think with attentive parenting the TV can be a valuable tool and resource, and sometimes the kids using the TV coincides with their mother watching a Bones marathon.

First, I'd point out that #1 and 2 are the same concept.

#3, 4 and 5 are just plain false. TV shows keep going and advertisers keep paying by pulling kids in; they fail in their mission by encouraging kids to develop "unplugged" interests. TV discourages actually discourages reading; and whereas reading helps kids to visualize their own ideas about the characters and storyline, TV provides "visual cues" that remove the possibility of other options for all but the brightest children -- yeah, adults may discuss, "I pictured the character younger and not quite so emotionally tough", but kids just accept these things at face value.

Note that every one of these possibilities includes the magical word CAN. They CAN happen under ideal circumstances, but since we live in the real world probably don't actually come to pass 99% of the time. Need evidence? Well, you said yourself that these things require "attentive parenting", whereas a good number of people on this very thread have admitted that they let their kids have personal TVs so that they aren't bothered by their cartoons or video games, or so that they can have some quiet time for themselves. These pie-in-the-sky CANS only happen for children IF the parents and children watch together and discuss, and plenty of TV-in-the-bedroom advocates on this thread have admitted that isn't happening.

As for #7, this is one of my biggest concerns about TV these days. When we were kids, most shows contained positive role models /moral lessons. No matter what kind of trouble might've encompassed the Cosby kids, Dad was always a positive influence in their lives, and a loving take-away moral was always included by the end of the show. In contrast, today we have cartoons that aren't really child-appropriate, and shows that focus just on the comic situations without any positive moral; for example, while I like The Big Bang Theory, it's just a funny show -- no positive role models or morals for kids, yet tweens and teens watch it. And reality TV is the exact opposite of positive role models.

Even if these things were true, they would have a stronger, more positive influence if they were viewed in a family setting rather than in an individual bedroom.

 

[jcarter29]

I know I am in the minority but we do not plan to let our kids have tvs in their rooms at any point. We also don't have a tv in our bedroom. Our bedrooms are a sanctuary for relaxation, sleep, etc. I don't think having the distraction of tv leads to good sleeping habits. For the "adult" perspective, if we aren't sleeping I'd rather have my husband's attention on me than on a tv. I had a tv in my room growing up and it meant that I was able to isolate myself even more and had more control than I should have over my time and what I watched at such a young age. Again...I know my opinion is pretty lame to most. Just wanted to give you all opinions. Do what works best for you and your family. I should also add that the kids are not allowed computer access in their rooms either. We do have 2 different areas for viewing tv in the main sections of the house and for computers/ipads, etc.

Kim

 

[Sydney2977]

Our house isn't that big (1600 sqft), and we have what I'd call a pretty good relationship with our kids, 13 & 17. I say this because we monitor what they do, but they do have some freedom to do what they want in their free time. Older DS has a tv in his room, younger doesn't. They are both involed in multiple activities- one band, Scouts, and JROTC, and the other band, baseball, and Scouts, and we have church as a family. They are both in advanced classes and do well. We do lots together as a family, including watching tv sometimes. They are not allowed to watch or play video games during the week- and honestly they don't really have time! I don't mind if they have a little alone time to just relax. It's funny- given the freedom, a lot of times my youngest is going outside to play, and oldest is reading or listening to music. I personally think that people should do what's best for their family. But going one extreme or the other is not neccessarily good either.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

I think this is every family's own decision and I don't think another family can truly give an answer.

I grew up with a television in my room along with VCR, CD player, stereo...yep, as soon as the new gadget came out, it was installed in my room. I had honor roll grades.

Today, we only have one television in our entire home. No laptop computer. Just the desktop which is in the living room 90degrees to the family television.

I often think my kids will be embarrassed when their friends come over, but most say they enjoy hanging out in the no telly room.

I think about adding tv to DD15 room (esp now that her brothers are away to college), but she keeps saying it's not needed. We all take turns with the television programming.

If you want a television for your children, then you should get a television for them. If it's something you're not so sure about, but the kids are pressuring, remember you are the parent, wait on it for a while and set a time to discuss again in the future.

BTW, I do believe in parental and time locks.