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The television probably the invention of the twentieth century that impacted people's lives most. Television brought the world right into our living rooms. Unfortunately, when the world moved in, a whole lot of things moved out to make space. Children are first in line to feel the consequences of loss of time, activity and creativity.

Before television took over family life, families spent time together. Children helped preparing meals. The family took most meals together, and family members knew each other fairly well. Problems and achievements would be discussed over meals and each individual was truly part of the family.

Then things changed. The huge amount of time that children and adults spend in front of the television is claiming its toll on our world today. Family units are no longer safe havens where children grow up to be well balanced individuals. Home became the place where the television is, no longer the place where the family lives.

The worst consequence of having the television always on, is the lack of time. Less time are spent in relationships, because it's easier to sit in front of the television than to talk about our feelings. Children do not learn to communicate properly. Without communication and time, relationships end. Couples get divorced. The high divorce rate created a generation of confused and unhappy children. Children of very young ages commit suicide and violent crimes. Most of these could have been prevented if children had sufficient communication networks and skills.

The long running hours of the television and poor communication skills prevent children from playing. They no longer play active and interactive games outside. Without basic games like throwing balls and skipping or mud playing some basic muscle development takes a lot longer to take place. This in turn causes learning disabilities. Children with learning difficulties are more likely to have problems making friends. These children usually have a low self worth.

Pair the loss of activity with the advertisements of fast foods and candy, and you are heading for another disaster. Studies have shown that people who eat in front of the television consume generally twenty five percent more calories that people who don't. The television is therefore to blame for obesity too.

Because of the visual nature of the television, children over feed their bodies and starve their imaginations. They never learn how to think in pictures, because they never have to. They never have a chance to become creative individuals. Creativity is a vital part of problem solving. A well balanced adult needs to be a problem solver how can children become that without creativity?

By not switching of the television, we raise kids who have to grow up in broken homes. The family unit does not provide all the necessary love and support anymore, because we do not talk and we do not learn communication. Children develop learning difficulties and become obese. They never learn to think for themselves.

Children are the future. They should be loved and protected from harm. The unregulated overuse of television has a large and negative impact on children's lives. The family room's first priority is with the family and especially children. Only if there is a little room left should the world be allowed in.

Learn more about this author, Petro Maritz.
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