Some people say that what children watch on TV influences their behaviour....(Band 9 Sample Essay)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people say that what children watch on TV influences their behaviour, while others say the amount of time children spend watching TV influences their behaviour.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.

You should write at least 250 words.

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Sample Essay 1

There is a debate whether the program content or the duration of watching television impacts on children’s behaviour. I believe it is the amount of time that affects most because though the children are prone to learn everything they see; they are more likely to absorb the ones that they are exposed over a long period of time. I will elucidate both views followed by my opinion in the essay.

Children learn best by observing and imitating their surroundings, whether in real life or in visual media, as they are dependent on their environment for their growth. As a result, the idea of role modeling has enormous potential for their implicit learning. In essence, the emotional state and conduct of youngsters are directly influenced by the personalities shown on television, as well as by the mannerisms, speech, clothes, and cultural standards that actors and actresses display. Children may imagine themselves as Sherlock Holmes after watching his adventures, for instance, while exposure to Harry Potter may inspire fantasies of living in a mysterious world. The same logic applies to being exposed to violent images. Recent studies have demonstrated that 65% of individuals with a history of criminal behavior were exposed to violent media during their formative years.

On the other hand, the amount of time kids spend watching TV is another major factor in how they behave. In reality, viewing too much television not only encourages addiction, but also negatively impacts other areas of a child's life. American Paediatric Association advises that each age group should only be permitted to watch TV for a certain amount of time every day in light of this grave result. Children under the age of two are not supposed to be permitted to watch any TV, and those between the ages of two and three are only supposed to watch for a maximum of two hours a day. In addition, a recent study indicated that 70% of students who struggle to pay attention in class lectures watch TV for longer than five hours every day.

In conclusion, the amount of time spent watching TV and the sort of shows children see both have an impact on how they behave in one way or another, but in the long term, I think the time spent is what really mobilizes them.

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Sample Essay 2

The debate surrounding the impact of television on children's behaviour has been long-standing, with opinions divided between the content of what children watch and the quantity of time they spend in front of the TV screen. Both aspects carry significant implications for young minds, shaping their perceptions, values, and behaviors. This essay aims to dissect both views, offering insights into how each factor influences child development, before concluding with a balanced perspective.

Firstly, the content of what children watch on television is undeniably influential. Programs imbued with violence, aggression, or inappropriate themes can seed similar tendencies in young viewers. For instance, children exposed to aggressive characters may mimic such behaviors, misunderstanding the consequences of their actions in real life. This correlation between on-screen content and behavioral outcomes underscores the argument that "what children watch on TV influences their behaviour" profoundly. Educational shows, on the other hand, can foster positive learning, creativity, and moral values, illustrating the dual-edged nature of television content.

Conversely, the argument focusing on the amount of time children spend watching TV suggests that excessive viewing can lead to detrimental effects, regardless of content. Prolonged screen time has been linked to obesity, sleep disturbances, and decreased academic performance, highlighting a different dimension of influence on children's behavior. This perspective suggests that moderation is key, advocating for a balanced approach to screen time to mitigate potential negative impacts.

In summary, the content and duration of TV viewing significantly impact children's behavior and development. Content shapes values and behaviors, whereas excessive viewing can harm physical and cognitive health. Thus, a balanced approach to quality content and viewing time is crucial, with caregivers, educators, and content creators playing key roles in fostering positive viewing habits in children.

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Sample Essay 3

There is a discussion among people whether children are immensely impacted what is being displayed on TV or it is the amount of time spent on TV programs that guides their actions. I, personally, believe that the amount of time spent in front of TV definitely has much more effect on children than that of any other factors. In my essay, I am going to elucidate both these views and my opinion with relevant arguments.

Adults are prone to spend their free time in front of TV, and undoubtedly, it leads the children to wilfully join them too. Sadly, they witness some improper broadcasts such as violence or extreme action films which exert enormous influence on their behaviour. Statistical analysis reveals that children endeavour to bully each other right after watching detective or similar kind of movies. For example, children who watch the film called “Terminator”, a superhero movie, feel themselves as a hero and tend to act accordingly. However, if the content is controlled by parents, it will only generate some benefits for children such as learning languages, widening their outlook or getting new experience. In that regard, cartoons and educational programs are irreplaceable.

On the other hand, the other group of people ignore the influence of content, rather they argue that the amount of time spent in front of TV drives children’s activities. They propose that children must engage in useful things to learn and watching TV must only take the small portion of this time. Moreover, once children tend to watch TV rather than studying, it will cause a long-standing addiction and misbehaviour. For example, an addicted child will not be satisfied with what is being told him/her until he or she is fed up watching TV that day and finally voluntarily commence studying. I am of the same idea since children turned into lazy ones today because of the amount of time spent on inappropriate items for their age.

To conclude, the content and timing ought to be chosen meticulously since children are not aware of danger. Parents should strictly follow the time spent on TV programs, build a discipline, ban inappropriate content and pursue time limit.

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Sample Essay 4

The influence of television on children's behavioral development is a topic of considerable debate. Critics argue that the content viewed plays a crucial role, while others highlight the significance of viewing duration. This essay endeavors to explore both perspectives, articulating the nuanced ways in which television affects young minds, and will argue for the importance of a balanced and informed approach to television consumption.

On one hand, the argument that "what children watch on TV influences their behaviour" is compelling, given the persuasive power of visual media. Television content acts as a virtual tutor, educating and socializing children outside the traditional classroom setting. For instance, educational programs like 'Sesame Street' have been lauded for enhancing literacy and numeracy skills among preschoolers, demonstrating how positive content can promote cognitive development and positive behavior. Conversely, exposure to violent or inappropriate content can foster aggression and desensitization to violence, underscoring the need for careful selection of what children watch.

On the other hand, the amount of time spent in front of the TV is equally critical. Excessive television viewing can lead to sedentary lifestyles, contributing to obesity and related health issues. Furthermore, it can encroach on time that could be spent engaging in physical play or reading, activities known to be beneficial for cognitive and physical development. Thus, while "what children watch on TV influences their behaviour," the quantity of viewing time also has profound implications for their overall well-being.

In conclusion, the impact of TV on children hinges on both what they watch and how long they watch it. Ensuring a mix of educational content within set viewing limits is crucial. Collaboration among parents, educators, and content creators is key to promoting beneficial viewing habits, ultimately fostering the development of well-rounded, healthy children.

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