Television - Overview

Television

Most of us have happy memories of watching television with our families when we were young. But what was once a simple shared pastime has become an increasingly complex—and sometimes problematic part of modern family life.

Instead of two or three stations we now have hundreds, with shows for every taste and interest. As well, we increasingly get our TV through digital devices – computers, phones, tablets, and set-top streaming boxes – sometimes watching on more than one screen at once. Watching television has become a more solitary activity and less shared time means that adults are less able to monitor what their kids are watching.

This section offers practical tips on managing TV viewing, teaching kids to think critically about what they see on TV, and giving youth the tools to take action on issues that concern them.