Television is a staple in most households. It’s hard to imagine a day without it. But with the increasing amount of content available to us, it’s easy to get lost in the world of TV.

Binge-watching can sometimes feel like the norm, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself if you’re watching too much TV?.

What is the Recommended Amount of TV Watching?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2 to 5 years old should only have 1 hour of screen time per day.

Older children, aged 6 years and above, have no set limit, but it is advised that they have no more than 2 hours of screen time per day. This includes television, laptops, tablets, phones, and any other screen-based device.

What are the Risks of Watching Too Much TV?

Watching too much TV can lead to a variety of risks that can affect your physical and mental health. Below are some of the risks associated with excessive TV watching:.

Physical Risks

1. Obesity – Sitting in front of the TV for long periods of time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. This, in turn, can lead to obesity and other health problems.

2. Posture problems – Sitting hunched over in front of the TV for hours on end can lead to posture problems, back and neck pain, and other related issues.

3. Eye strain – Watching TV for too long can lead to eye strain and can also lead to dry, itchy eyes, and headaches.

Mental Risks

1. Poor academic performance – Children who watch too much TV tend to have lower academic performance than those who don’t.

2. Violence and aggression – Watching violent TV shows can lead to aggression and violent behavior in children and teenagers.

3. Depression and anxiety – Watching TV for long periods can lead to loneliness, social isolation, and depression in some people.

How Can We Limit Our TV Time?

Watching TV in moderation can help avoid the aforementioned risks. Here are some ways to limit TV time:.

1. Create a TV Schedule

Plan a set time for watching TV and stick to it. Don’t let TV become the only thing you end up doing throughout the day, instead, allot time for other activities like exercise or spending time with family and friends.

2. Find Alternative Activities

Find other activities to replace TV watching, like reading, playing games, or taking walks. These activities will help improve your health and well-being.

3. Keep TV Out of the Bedroom

One of the easiest ways to limit TV time is to keep it out of the bedroom. It can lead to staying up late and watching TV, which can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and can affect your overall health.

Keep the TV in the living room or entertainment center only.

4. Make a Family Agreement

Make a family agreement to limit TV time. This can be a fun way to bond with your family and teach your children about a healthy lifestyle. Making it a family activity could also help children understand the benefits of limiting screen time.

5. Try to Remove TV from Your Routine

Try taking a break from watching TV for a week and observe the difference it makes in your life. Use this time to reconnect with family and friends, read or exercise.

Conclusion

TV has become a large part of our daily routine, but it’s important to make sure you’re not watching too much. While it can be hard to reduce the amount of TV we watch, there are many ways to cut back and improve our overall health and well-being.