ALMOST every household has at least one set. It is a source of entertainment and education, an essential lifestyle item in society. However, the television has also been branded the idiot box and blamed for obesity in adults and children.
A common grouse among parents is that their children watch too much TV. However, the quality of programmes viewed and parental participation can make a big difference to what the child absorbs.
Author and parental coach Zaid Mohamad said top worries among parents today include unsuitable content – inappropriate language, violence, negative influence and lack of values.
Another concern is that watching television is a passive and non-interactive activity. “However, television is neither good nor bad. It’s just a tool,” he said. “Used correctly, it is a good tool.”
As a whole, Zaid agrees that Malaysian children watch too much television and view inappropriate programmes.