Watching Television Is Bad for Children - IELTS Task 2 Sample Essay

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Model Essay 1

The widespread presence of television in modern households has led many to argue that it is inherently harmful to children. While excessive or unsupervised viewing can indeed be problematic, I strongly disagree with the claim that watching television is bad for children in general. When used in moderation and with appropriate content, television can support cognitive development and provide valuable educational and social benefits, which this essay will critically examine.

To begin with, television can be a powerful educational tool that enhances children’s intellectual growth when programmes are carefully selected. Educational channels and documentaries expose young viewers to new vocabulary, scientific concepts, and global cultures that they may not encounter in their immediate environment. For instance, well-designed programmes such as nature documentaries or language-learning shows can stimulate curiosity and improve comprehension skills, particularly for children from less resource-rich backgrounds. Moreover, visual storytelling helps children grasp abstract ideas more easily than text alone, reinforcing learning through imagery and narrative. To dismiss television entirely ignores its capacity to complement formal education and foster independent learning, especially in an era where multimedia literacy is increasingly essential.

Equally important is the role television can play in children’s social and emotional development. Through age-appropriate dramas and animated series, children often learn moral lessons, empathy, and problem-solving by observing characters navigate challenges. Such exposure can prompt meaningful discussions with parents, helping children reflect on right and wrong in a guided manner. Additionally, shared viewing experiences can strengthen family bonds, as parents and children watch and discuss content together. Critics often argue that television isolates children; however, the real issue lies not in the medium itself but in poor parental regulation. With clear boundaries on screen time and content, television can be a constructive rather than corrosive influence.

In conclusion, television should not be viewed as intrinsically harmful to children. As argued, it can offer significant educational advantages and support social development when used responsibly. Therefore, instead of condemning television outright, parents and educators should focus on supervision and balance, ensuring that this medium serves as a beneficial supplement to children’s overall development rather than a detriment.

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Model Essay 2

The omnipresence of television in children’s daily lives has generated intense debate about its influence on their development. In my view, watching television is indeed detrimental to children, particularly when it becomes a routine rather than a controlled activity. I firmly agree with this statement because excessive television viewing undermines children’s cognitive growth and damages their physical and psychological well-being, as will be argued in the following paragraphs.

The most compelling reason television is harmful lies in its negative impact on children’s intellectual development and attention span. Television presents information in a passive, fast-paced manner that discourages critical thinking and sustained concentration. Unlike reading or interactive learning, children are not required to process, question, or imagine deeply, which weakens essential cognitive skills over time. For example, children who spend hours watching entertainment-based programmes often struggle to focus in classrooms, as their brains become accustomed to constant visual stimulation. Furthermore, early exposure to fragmented and sensational content can impair language development, as children consume simplified dialogue instead of rich, structured communication. As a result, television conditions young minds to expect instant gratification, severely limiting their capacity for deep learning and independent thought.

Equally concerning is the detrimental effect of television on children’s physical health and emotional development. Prolonged screen time promotes a sedentary lifestyle, reducing opportunities for physical play that is crucial for healthy growth and motor development. This inactivity has been strongly linked to childhood obesity and related health complications. Beyond physical harm, television also distorts children’s emotional and social understanding. Exposure to violent or unrealistic content can normalise aggression or foster unhealthy expectations about relationships and success. For instance, children who regularly watch aggressive cartoons may imitate hostile behaviour without understanding real-world consequences. Moreover, excessive television viewing often replaces meaningful interaction with family and peers, weakening social skills and emotional intelligence during formative years.

In conclusion, television exerts a profoundly negative influence on children by impairing their cognitive abilities and undermining their physical and emotional development. Given these substantial harms, I strongly maintain that watching television is bad for children, and its presence in their lives should be strictly limited to protect their long-term well-being.

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