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Research has shown a strong correlation between exposure to acts of violence depicted on things like television or video games and an increase in violent acts by children.The influence of adult-oriented programming on television has been a major concern for parents since the device’s inception. The original forms of protection from situations of bad language, sex and violence on the screen was to cover the child’s eyes, or just keep them from watching TV entirely.
However, banning TV from children denies them access to quality programming like educational shows. Instead, parents should rely on the aid of a variety of tools to help limit harmful exposure.
Package Options
If you subscribe to Direct TV Chicago or any other satellite provider, you have control over your channel lineup. Most satellite providers allow consumers to pick or create packages designed for specific programming subjects like children’s or sports, and avoid all of the unnecessary adult-oriented channels.
Rating System
Titled TV Parental Guidelines, the rating system designed for parents uses the same method employed by the movie industry for years. It starts at TV-G for everyone and up to TV-MA for adults. Ratings appear on screen and are announced before the show begins.
V-Chip
Based on the rating system previously mentioned, the V-Chip embedded in televisions can be programmed to block shows that exceed the approved rating chosen by the owner.
Blocking Technology
Much like the V-Chip other blocking devices can be set to ban access to shows higher than a certain rating. In addition, they can block specific channels and all television watching for specified time intervals.
Filtering Technology
Unlike blocking tools, filters let the programming play, but filter out the inappropriate content such as, bad language or violent scenes. This is similar to R-rated movies played on national television in which swear words are silenced.
Parents can use one or a combination of these tools.
