Children and Television; The One Eyed Monster?

Television is often blamed for the increased breakdown of family life and for encouraging violent and anti-social behaviour amongst adolescents. How much of this criticism is justified? Barrie Gunter, a chartered psychologist, and Jill McAleer, a qualified teacher, are both media research specialists. They examine research evidence on the way children use television, their responses to it, and the effects it has on them. They describe children's interactions with television in a readable, non-technical style, dispelling many of the myths about television's hold over young people. Taking a balanced view of the medium's impact on children, they show how television can be a valuable tool in the home and at school, and has an important role to play in children's intellectual and social development. Gunter and McAleer conclude that children are more selective and critical viewers than we often give them credit for. Children control television far more than it controls them. This book should be of interest to students and professionals of communications, media, film and TV, psychology and sociology, education.