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OVERCOMING TV ADDICTION

Scientific American recently published a special edition on the brain (Volume 14, Number 1).  This issue included an article by Robert Kubey, "Television Addiction is No Mere Metaphor."  In this article Kubey observed that "people who watch a lot of television can exhibit symptoms similar to substance dependence, including making repeated unsuccessful efforts to reduce use and even experiencing withdrawal when use stops."  Since recent surveys have shown that children spend significant amounts of their time watching television, Kubey's suggestions for limiting television viewing, listed below, may be of interest to early childhood providers:

Raising Awareness.  As with other dependencies, a critical step is to become aware of how entrenched the viewing habit has become, how much time it absorbs and how limited the rewards of viewing actually are.    One way to do this is to keep a diary of all programs viewed.  The diary entries might note the quality of the experience, denoting how much how much the viewers enjoyed or learned from various programs.

Promoting Alternative Activities.  As soon as they finish dinner, many families rush to the television.  To supplant viewing with other activities, it may prove helpful to make a list of alternatives and put it on the fridge.  Instead of reflexively plopping down in front of the tube, those interested in reducing their viewing can refer to the list.

Enforcing Limits.  A kitchen timer can come in handy when settng limits.  When it rings, kids know to stop.  

Viewing Selectively. Rather than channel-surfing, people can use the channel listings ahead of time to choose which programs they want to watch.  

Going Cold Turkey.  Many families have succeeded in reducing viewing by limiting the household to one set and placing it in a remote room of the house or in a closet.  Others end their cable subscriptions or jettison the set altogether.

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