What Qualifies As An Appropriate Child's TV Show

Appropriate children’s programming is a controversial topic these days. I feel that it is important that my children watch shows that model appropriate behavior, are non-violent, rated G for language and content. I have noticed that there are less available for my children to watch on television that are appropriate for them to view.

I’ve also noticed that the show that they are watching may be appropriate, but the commercials that are shown are not. I believe that it is unacceptable to put a commercial showing violence while running a children’s show.

I have collected some quotes from parents and professionals on this issue. I have also received some quotes from professionals involved in the selection of children’s shows for television. Some, I agree with and some I do not. I would love to read your comments on what you agree or disagree with.


“I am a mother of 6 year old triplet girls. My girls are not autistic but I do believe currently what is being offered to children on television is harmful. The options are Noggin (appropriate for 2-3 yrs) or ICarly, Fairy Odd parents and Hannah Montana. There is no appropriate options for 5-10 year olds. In addition the commercials are sometimes downright scary. Rudeness or doing disgusting things (like pretending to do a surgery ie: an episode of iCarly) is not appropriate for children to be watching. Are the concepts of sharing and learning to be a friend only developed with toddlers?? PBS is probably the best option, but does really focus on younger children. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts.” - Nicki


“As a general pediatrician and pediatric hematologist-oncologist, I am very concerned about not only the explicit nature of shows on family hour--late afternoon--early evening, but also some of the commercials which are invading the world of early childhood and creating questions and situations which would be best left for later childhood or adolescence. Though it is easy enough to turn the TV off, you simply do not know what is going to be on the screen next. Topics of a sexual nature or violence, including some news stories, should be considered for editing before presentation. Children have one chance at childhood, and there is enough reality in their young lives already.” - Louis I. Cooper M.D.


“When DISNEY has a show with a teenage girl setting the mood for a
guy she likes by turning down the lights, lighting candles, and having
fake champaigne, it's pretty obvious that current television shows are
promoting the wrong message to kids under 18 years old.” - Melissa Perry Moraja
Consultant, Author, and Speaker, Melissa Productions, Inc.


“A good children's show combines both education and entertainment and the best show is one where the two are combined in such a way that the kids don't even know they are learning. Kids respond to energy so they love shows where the tone is over the top- like Disney or Nickelodeon. They love to laugh at loud and be the first to get the joke- before the character does!” - Susie Mains, TALENT MANAGER, CO-OWNER OF TRILOGY TALENT




“Thirty percent of children of school age watch more than 3 hours of television per night. Over half the school age children have televisions in their rooms. TV is a big deal and the quality of programming is more and more a concern for parents. It is hard enough regulating the amount of television watched by our children let alone the quality of programming that is aired on the 100 stations coming from our cable box. Parents need to understand and be aware of the programming out there and be able to help their child choose programming that is appropriate for them.
Things to look for are...
1.programs that fit the age and developmental readiness of your child
2.programs that promote the values of your family without lessening your own standards
3. programs that allow your child to think while he/she is watching rather than "zone out"
4.programs with messages that the child can embrace in their own life
5.remember, programs need to add value to your child’s experience and development rather than be something the just fills time or takes them into subject matters that are way beyond their readiness.” - Dr. Philip Dembo , Life Coach, Relationship Expert