The Effects of Watching Television on Adolescents
Hello everyone! Today, I want to talk to you about an issue that impacts many of us: the effects of watching television on adolescents. As eighth graders, you may find that your daily routines include a significant amount of television viewing, but it’s important to understand both the positive and negative implications that come with it.
To start, let’s consider just how much television adolescents actually consume. According to the passage “Television and Adolescents,” the average teen spends about three hours a day watching TV. This number is staggering when you think about all the important activities that could happen in that time, such as doing homework, engaging in sports, or spending time with friends and family. The question then becomes, how does this extensive TV time actually affect our academic performance and behavior?
On the one hand, television can provide educational content that helps us learn. For example, documentaries about space, nature, or art can ignite curiosity and inspire new interests. However, the majority of content we consume is not educational and can have harmful effects on our social lives and academic performances. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) points out that excessive TV watching can lead to a more unfulfilling social life because kids may isolate themselves in front of the screen instead of interacting with peers and family. Instead of going outside to play a sport or read a book, many adolescents are opting to binge-watch a series. This change in activity can directly impact physical health; we need physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and build self-esteem.
Moreover, the passage emphasizes that a significant amount of television viewing is linked to lower grades in school. Adolescents who replace study time and homework with TV tend to perform worse academically. They develop a reliance on a highly stimulating environment created by television which may lead to disinterest in traditional learning methods, such as reading or listening to lectures. This shift may cause students to prefer more entertaining forms of education, such as video games and interactive multimedia, relegating books and writing to the sidelines.
Television not only affects academic performance but also has implications for behavior. The content we absorb influences how we perceive the world and interact with others. Many TV shows and games portray violence, adult themes, and unhealthy lifestyle choices like drug use and junk food eating. These portrayals can lead to adolescents mimicking aggressive or inappropriate behaviors they see on the screen. Sometimes, kids might only imitate these behaviors playfully, but other times, it could lead to serious consequences, including poor decision-making and strained relationships with peers, parents, and teachers.
In conclusion, while television may seem like a harmless way to unwind, it is important to be aware of its potential impacts on our lives as adolescents. The information presented in the passage shows that excessive viewing can lead to lower academic performance, reduced physical activity, and behavioral issues. Therefore, as you think about your daily habits, I encourage you to consider how much time you spend in front of the TV, and to recognize the importance of balancing screen time with activities that promote learning, social engagement, and healthy lifestyles. Thank you for listening, and I hope this information helps you make mindful choices about your television watching habits!