World Television Day just another Day for Thaneites as the Idiot Box Loses its Charm

22nd Nov, 2017

THANE : While the main source of entertainment, the television (TV), was the most sought after visual mass media once upon a time, its relevance today seems limited with the reach of social media and the internet.

On the occasion of World Television Day, several families, which were once glued to the idiot box in the past, today prefer to use their quality time for family interaction or an outing instead of devoting their time to TV.

Most young parents believe that not having a TV at home is one of the best methods to mould a child's personality from a young age.

Trupti Khan, a resident of Regency Heights, said, "I always tell my children that television is someone else's creativity. It will stunt your creative abilities. Too much exposure to television will hamper a child's imagination and visualization as it's a passive mode of communication. I have substituted the television viewing session to some activity-based programmes, which involve learning through flash cards, books, etc. Often other parents question my style of discipline, but it has suited me and my children have accepted it happily."

Purab Chhaya from Hiranandani Estate, who has stopped watching TV since five years said, "Television today is filled with programmes that are negative in nature. My family decided to take the plunge and switch the television off for six months and it worked. We didn't feel like we were missing out on anything. Whatever news update I need, I read it on my phone and news websites. Instead of watching television after dinner, my wife, my three-year-old daughter and I indulge in jamming sessions and listen to music."

Parents revealed that children, too, did not throw tantrums when they weren't allowed to watch TV and in turn channelized their energy into doing something everybody would enjoy.

"Whenever my children wish to see television, I ask them what is the second best thing they would like to do at the moment. We either go cycling in the neighbourhood or play sports," said Chetan Pandey, another local.

Apart from spending time with family, Thaneites said that the added benefits of not watching TV also helped maintain a healthy sleep cycle.

Angad Bhandari, another Thane resident, said, "Since we have cut down the screen time, we don't stay up late anymore. After working for 10-12 hours a day, we go to sleep on time."

Television today is filled with programmes that are negative in nature. We decided to take the plunge and switch the television off for six months and it worked. We didn't feel like we were missing out on anything

 

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com