Television viewing needs to be limited   

The situation in Tanzania with regard to television viewing options has taken a U turn over the last decade. Only about six to eight years ago it was considered a great luxury for Tanzanians to be able to watch the World Cup soccer or cricket championships. Today we are able to see almost all matches live but along with good material viewers are also exposed to bad viewing material.

A decade ago Tanzania had no television stations but today we have a spate of such stations along with Cable and Satellite television for those who can afford these. The increase in the number of television stations has lured more people to buy television sets and unfortunately many of our children are also turning into TV addicts.

Researchers have found a link between television and violence in children and by watching television movies some children now even think that it is in style to use foul language in one’s daily conversation. These children consider it cool to punctuate their language with four letter words and some even go around making fun of those who restrict themselves to refined language.

When looking for data to analyse the effect television has on children I came across recent details wherein researchers at a Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, USA studied the television viewing habits of more than 2000 children. They summed up that those who watch the most television are more likely to feel depressed, anxious or angry. This was considered true for not only those watching for six or more hours per day but also to those who watch for just three hours a day.  

In many households, the children are intentionally allowed to watch television so that they do not come in the way of parents. While it is important that parents spend some time daily to discuss issues or talk to their children, something that can be done while having dinner, this precious time is wasted because of watching television. As a result children are guided through life by what they see on television rather than through the secular, moral, academic or religious knowledge from their elders.