Now, my boyfriend and I have discussed not having a television in our bedroom when we get married. At first I was a little shocked, but I really like the idea too.

When I had roommates, we all had televisions in our bedrooms, along with one in the living room. I spent a LOT of time in my bedroom by myself–usually because we wanted to watch different shows, but I remember a few times when we’d be watching the same shows in echo in the house. Strange stuff.

My brother, who lives at home but is 21, now has a tv in his bedroom (along with two computers, a keyboard, etc. for school) but my parents barely see him and don’t like that very much. It’s awkward cause, yeah, he is old enough to make his own decisions but he also still under my parents’ roof.

First off, I think people need to stop blaming television for everything and put more emphasis on poor parenting. The TV promotes unhealthy eating? No. The foods that parents buy promote unhealthy eating. If parents buy junk food, the kids WILL eat it. If parents want their kids to eat healthier, then they need to buy them food that is healthy. Don’t eat fast food. Stop buying pre-processed meals and cook some home-cooked meals. This is a parent’s responsibility to make healthy foods available and media should not be blamed for this.

As far as the amount of time a child spends in front of the TV, again, this is a PARENTING issue. In moderation, television can be beneficial and educational. But if your child watches too much TV, it is because you ALLOW them to. If your child seems to be obsessed with watching TV and playing video games, then perhaps you need to introduce them to some new activities. Bring them up to a driving range and teach them how to swing a golf club. Ask them to accompany you on a bike ride to a local park. Let your child plant some seeds in a garden and give them the responsibility of watering it, taking care of it, etc… There are so many other activities other than TV and video games. Parents need to be PROACTIVE and seek them out. Often, kids will not pry themselves away from the TV on their own. If they refuse to participate in other activities, then you may have to exercise your authority and say sorry buddy, no choice. Family trip! They may fuss at first, but in the end, they will likely enjoy it.

If your child is consistently not getting their homework done, I think that is an issue a little deeper than ‘watching too much TV.’ Parents need to teach their kids early on how to prioritize, take responsibility for their choices, etc… If your child is not completing their homework, perhaps that are having some difficulties in school and it is easier to ignore it? Maybe your child is having problems socializing, so they resort to vegging out in front of the TV instead of playing outside with neighborhood friends? Talk with your kids and problem-solve with them!! The more you help them now when they are younger, the more it will help them on later on if life. Don’t let your kids use TV to escape any problems they may be having. I can say, from experience, that I have done this in my youth. But luckily, my parents were assertive and helped me out.

As a 21 year old who had a TV in her room when she was in high school, I can definitely agree that I watch(ed) more TV because of it. But I was an A/B student, participated in 7 different activities throughout high school, and consistently volunteered. Even now as a senior in college, I still workout at the gym 3-4 times a week, eat well, and get good grades and I still watch the TV frequently. But I am OK because MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME at an early age the importance of being productive, getting homework done on time, getting fresh air and not staying cooped up in my room, socializing with others, and staying healthy (physically, mentally, and emotionally).

PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE for their children and how they interact with media. The media will only be beneficial if parents do their job. If they don’t, then of course, the media will make a bad problem worse.

We have a television in the family room, which is off most of the time - I’m right there w/ Fred at 8:35 a.m. in that I’d love to remove TV from our house altogether. My husband and kids would be unhappy with absolutely no TV so we’ll keep it, but I only watch about thirty minutes a week & no regular shows. The kids watch sporadically - parts of ballgames, an occasional show, though they don’t watch any shows regularly either. We have it mainly to run DVDs and catch the final four etc.

My kids are not yet teenagers so I’ve not heard much griping, though they have mentioned to me which of their friends have TVs in their rooms (lots), but have not begged or whined or even asked for the same.

I don’t credit our no-TV in the bedroom policy with my kids’ health and happiness, but I will be honest is saying I can’t see how a TV in their room would enhance their health or happiness… so why do it?

When we built our house the floor plan was much more open, from the kitchen/dining area into the family room. I insisted on adding a wall between them so we wouldn’t be tempted to watch TV during dinner. Now it’s a special thing on the rare occasions we eat in the family room.

People are worried about their kids playing outside, threats from strangers, etc. Get out there and play WITH them! You’ll feel a whole lot better too!