Parents: Is Television Really a Necessity for Kids?

Television. Is it possible to live in today's world without one? My answer is yes. But does anyone want to live in today's world without one? Again, my answer is yes. I however, am not one of them.

I grew up with television. One of my earliest memories is sitting in the living room, curled up on the couch with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, watching Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. Television was one of my first teachers. I learned my ABC's, how to count in Spanish, how to play make believe, and ultimately, how to be a good friend. Obviously my family instilled most of my values in me, but Sesame Street, Mr. Roger's, Romper Room and other shows backed up those values, reinforcing them.

Television is not a necessity. I have lived without it now for a few years. I cannot afford cable, plus Internet, plus a cell phone, plus rent, plus utilities, plus living expenses. Something had to go, so my cable television was unplugged.

Before my television was turned off, I did not realize just how much time it consumed in my life. I turned it on for background noise while studying. I watched all of "my shows" regularly each week. I flipped it on while eating meals. I tuned in every Sunday to watch my football team get their butts kicked yet again. It was such an important part of my life that I found myself glancing at the clock during classes, hoping, praying that class got out early so I could rush home and catch the end of America's Next Top Model.

When it became obvious I would have to give something up, I knew television would be the one thing I would have to learn to live without. It was a difficult adjustment period, but it allowed me to refocus my spare time. Now, I spend more time reading, or going for walks. I look at news sites on the Internet, or call a friend to catch up. I broke out of the box I had been living in for so long and my quality of life has actually improved.

When my dad and stepmother decided to raise my little sister in a TV-free environment, I could not fathom how that would work out for the best. After all, television can be beneficial and educational. Sure, there is violence and inappropriate content there as well, but it is up to a parent to monitor the situation so that is not viewed. I believe it is okay for a child to see some of the bad with the good though, because that is reality.

The decision to keep television out of the house has actually been a smart one. My sister has a myriad of interests, none of which include vegging in front of the TV. She is very active and involved in many extracurriculars. She does well in school because homework is a top priority at home, not the television. Like me, she reads and socializes in her free time.

The issue of television is one that has been debated for years. Some believe it is beneficial while others deem it bad news. I see it as a bit of both. Television is what you make of it. I hope to someday to be able to turn mine back on, but I know now to not let it control my life. I have the willpower to push the button on the remote and instead, pick up a book.