TV does not help a child interact-communicate-or learn to amuse him/her/self.  Parents should be teaching, not T.V. or games. Children then need "something" to keep them quiet - they are enable to just sit/listen/or follow directions...they have totally been controlled with "button amusement".   Parents do not take the time to "teach" - let them to be creative - give them personal quiet time - they are rushed to all activities - they are allowed to do as they please because the family time has not been enforced/stressed as to proper behavior or respect.  T.V. becomes the babysitter.  Respect: Key word leading to  most of the W.Disney "G" movies also :  Mostley, disrespect-wild motions-senseless type of imaginary entertainment-fantasy world of distruction/hitting/pushing/ violence/very few of down to earth family/friend sensitive teachings... they are.fast paced action-distorting - I do not believe most children are ADD- they have not been diciplined to learn family quality time - how to comply with constructive teaching and given plain quiet creative child time. T.V. is controlling our younger generation along with video games.  In due respect - there may be a few parents...still trying to instill the basic old values.....unfortunately...not enough of them.  It is easier to give a child a pill instead of taking the time from infancy to raise that child.  Making you wonder: Who comes first....me or my child's welfare.  Maybe they should try limiting T.V./game time only to weekend time- give them a book/game/crafts/outside play time-give them rules that must be followed/teach them respect/spend quality time and stop depending on schools or others to "train" their children - it begins at home at birth. The 1-2-3 or else is ridiculous....listenting begins with adult repect - playing games to encounter it is not the way the world challenges you.  

(I got carried away - this is just for your reading - and hope you find my thoughts somewhat truthful.....these children are growing up spoiled/materialistic/selfish/and without values/or respect of authority and not being able to know reality from fiction.           Thanx for hearing me out.)

Fran

I think there is a place for good quality TV for youngsters in limited quantity. Like all electronic entertainment it should be used as a tool for educational, recreational, and occassional diversion.The way it is utilized develops habits which begin early in life and these habits can become a big issue as the youngster grows up. Too much electronic entertainment may take the place of the child learning to entertain themselves with their own creativity such as reading, art, and music as human nature often is to take the easy way out and to follow the path of least resistance. It is not a bad thing for a child to become bored or mentally relaxed to a point in which they seek mental input and are active participants instead of  more passive entertainees. Also we need to look at all the electronics in one big umbrella and calculate a reasonable amount of time to spend either on the computer, gameboy, TV. etc. because we parents need to raise well rounded, self disciplined, contributing members of society which are not ruled by technology but are able to utilize it as one of their many life's tools. Remember early behaviors can turn into habits(good/bad ones) and it takes a good 30 days of hard work to change a bad habit to a better one as the child gets older so establish the guidelines and boundaries early as you are the parent and know better what is in the child's  best interest in the long run. And of course practice what you preach!!! Thanks for listening, Monique, mother of 2, and Occupational Therapist.

Tom,

The findings from that survey were posted in a story on this website, you can read that story by clicking here.  There is also a link at the bottom of the page that will direct you to it's forum discussion so you can share your thoughts!

Helen-

The name of the channel is Retirement Living.  You can watch it on CN8 (Comcast), it is also available on DirecTV if you're a subscriber.  I'm not sure where you live, but you can check for local listings at www.rl.tv