Evidence exists for both negative and positive effects of TV on developing children. Present evidence for at least three potentially negative effects and at least two potentially positive effects

What will be an ideal response?

Negative effects: longitudinal research indicates that (1) the best predictor of adolescent aggression is childhood preference for violent TV programming, both for boys and for girls, and (2) children who are more aggressive are apt to watch more violence on TV. Experimental evidence reveals that (3) children exposed to violent programming tend to be more aggressive than children exposed to prosocial TV programming; (4) highly aggressive seven- to nine-year-old children have been found to believe that violent programs are an accurate portrayal of everyday life; (5) children who are exposed to violent programming may become desensitized to violence, and thus react more slowly and less emotionally to real-life violence; and (6) TV programs that stereotype racial and ethnic minorities may foster such attitudes in children. Evidence also suggests that TV commercials (7) may foster resentment toward parents when the parents refuse to buy the advertised products for the child, (8) may promote poor nutrition, and (9) may have indirect negative effects on peer relations if children prefer to interact only with children who have the advertised toys and products.

Positive effects: experimental evidence indicates that (1) children who watch prosocial TV programming may be relatively less aggressive; (2) prosocial programs such as Sesame Street can counter ethnic and racial stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes in general; (3) children who watch educational programs such as Sesame Street and Electric Company may post cognitive and intellectual gains; (4) children who watch Mister Rogers' Neighborhood may display an array of social benefits such as becoming more compassionate, helpful, and cooperative. Note also that many of the benefits of educational programming are only realized when an adult watches the programs with the child and helps the child apply what has been learned.