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So now you have the facts about television's potential to do harm, let's talk about its potential benefit. Along with reading to your children beginning at an early age, showing them the right TV shows can actually improve their learning. And there is quality TV out there -- programs that are not only kid-appropriate, but entertaining and educational as well. The trick is finding them. Luckily, we've got the resources to help you do just that.

1. Get Tech Support.

Watch TV shows on your own schedule, not the times they’re programmed. Think about it: You get to watch “Grey’s Anatomy” uninterrupted once the kids are in bed. Your kids can watch “Diego” whenever they want (and you approve.) Call it “time-shifting TV.” It’s a little sci-fi-sounding, but you get the point.

Here's what you'll need:
  • A digital video recorder (DVR) - available from your local electronics retailer, your cable or satellite company
  • DVDs and VHS tapes
  • Cable and telephone company video on demand
  • A stand-alone DVR like TiVo (TiVo’s KidZone feature ensures kids only see the live and recorded shows you’ve okayed, and protects your “grown-up” recorded shows with a password.)
  • Bonus for Multitaskers: Set your TiVo to record shows with a couple of mouse clicks from anywhere on the Internet.
2. Let Your Kids Learn from TV.


No, really. We're not kidding. Educational TV can improve young children's language development and general school readiness.

According to researchers at the University of Texas in Austin, preschool children who watched a few hours a week of educational programming performed better on achievement tests over time than their peers who watched more general entertainment shows. Use STA's programming recommendations to identify the best shows for your family.

This can also be an opportunity to connect with your kids. Watch TV as a family, and discuss issues raised in the programs. Your kids need to know that what they watch is important to you, so don't shy away from explaining why you think some programming is inappropriate. This is your opportunity to open up discussions about real life news and topics. (Just remember, it's important to be clear and consistent on your views.)


3. Get a Better View.

  • Show more general and educational programming your kids can watch per day, then stick to this limit.
  • Find programming that relates to school topics, family events, and current issues. Educators call the ability to learn from these situations "Teachable Moments." Check out examples here from the National Education Association.

4. Get Smart. Get Smart News.

It's okay to be creeped out by the Teletubbies. There are lots of other options out there for your kids. Sign up for the Smart News e-newsletter for bi-weekly children's programming recommendations from a range of independent nonprofit organizations like:
  • Common Sense Media
  • Parent's Choice Foundation
  • Parent's Television Council
  • Coalition for Quality Children's Media: KIDS FIRST!
  • National Education Association
Reading is important for kids, but it's also important for you!
5. Share Your Experiences and Opinions.

  • Visit the recommendations section and talk with other parents about the shows you dig, and why.
  • Spread the word. Forward STA's newsletter on to your friends and ask them to join up, too.
  • You don't need to stage a rally in DC to get better children's programming on TV. Just change the channel to something good. A critical mass of parents whose kids watch recommended educational television sends a powerful economic message to producers and politicians.

Current Technology and Ratings

Filtering devices. Rating systems. Government regulations. In theory, they're supposed to help you take control of what your kids watch. But they're far from perfect. (Or effective.) Here's why:




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