#!Parentsroom Poll Results - Television Family Hour
Don't forget to answer this weeks Poll
Results of last weeks #!Parentsroom Poll
Do you think the television networks should go back to having a mandatory "family hour" of TV shows from 8 - 9 PM?
This week's poll resulted in a landslide victory with overwhelming support for the networks to reinstitute a mandatory "family hour."
Here are the results:
- 73% believe in reinstituting a mandatory family hour.
- 27% do NOT believe in a mandatory family hour on network tv.
The following are some comments we received:
- I believe there are barely any good tv shows on these days between 8 and 9 that are appropriate for kids. My husband and I love many of the shows they put on at 8, such as "Friends," but we feel we can't watch them when the children are up because they are usually too sexually explicit. I would welcome a Family Hour, however, I am reluctant to say it should be "mandatory." I would like to see the networks realize that this is important and institute it on their own.
- Yeah, it would be nice to be able to have that for the kids and family. I notice that a lot of violent shows are being viewed too soon today. I mean, they should think about when the kids are still up and put shows on that kids and family could enjoy, then have the more adult shows on later. I think the reason they have a hard time with that today is because they have TOO many shows to fit anything else on TV. I think they are really getting out of control with all these new TV shows, and not enough of them are Kid's programs. I think that it is sad that we have to go to a KID'S channel to see kid's movies or family shows. I think all networks should respect the family and children's needs.
- I personally don't watch much tv, but as the kiddies grow up I am sure the 1 hour of tv allotted will move from morning hour to evening hour. It would be nice that the TV time (AND the commercials mixed in) be appropriate viewing for all family members
- I think that it is important that the family hour be brought back. That's when all of life's lessons were taught and the kids and parents could discuss things.
- I am of the opinion that network television is the worst way to spend "family time." I'd rather pursue more interactive activities to promote "family time."
- Television is a big part of a family's life. Along with the adult action and love story tv shows, there should be programs geared towards toddlers, pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults dealing with real life issues. As adults we need to emphasize family values and respect for others to our children. Being a single parent, I know how hard it is to raise a child with those values. I have tried my very best to instill in my child the values and meaning of what respect, self esteem and good manners are all about. Children go through stages in their lives and as parents we are here to support and guide them through it. If there were more supportive and real life roles on tv, movies, sports, music, and in our leaders, I think our children would gain positive roles for themselves.
- I absolutely think that TV should have the much treasured family hour that they had when I was growing up. It was a time that the whole family could gather together, munch popcorn and just enjoy each other's company while each of us was enjoying the same show with out fear of sex, violence, profanity or vulgarity. I can remember getting all cozy in our jammies and gathering in the family room. It was a special time to remember! Nowadays it is so difficult to find a program that is appropriate for all ages at a time when the family can be together.
- I believe parents need to mediate television. We tend to listen to the radio in our house and only turn the TV on for my husbands sporting events, news, or after 10PM shows when our daughter is in bed. I do not believe in having the TV on all the time, especially not during meals. I think it is the responsibility of the parents to teach their child to fill their time with things other than TV and when TV is watched it is the parent's responsibility to insure that appropriate shows are watched and discussed.
- My family watches no TV during the day except from 8-9 in the evening while we are trying to wind down to get ready for bed. My kids are 1 1/2 and 4 and all we can ever watch is the Discovery Channel." We're getting a little bored with the same old thing to watch. It would be nice to have a selection. Even though my kids are quite young, I think they would enjoy a family show with maybe other kids on it or something.
- I also think that the television time should start earlier, say around 7pm. Growing up, it was a ritual to sit in front of the tube with the family and watch a Walt Disney movie or Wild Kingdom. Now, some parents use the tube as a babysitting device, which really makes me angry! We limit the TV in our household, only for special, pre-approved shows.
- I don't necessarily agree with the 8-9 times as my kids are in bed already but I definitely agree with having a family show on at night. A lot of the stuff that is on, I won't even watch, let alone allow my kids to watch.
- I believe that a family hour would give time for the family to sit down and do something as a family on a normal routine. I feel it is important to do things as a family, and to look forward to the next episode!
- The shows that are on at that hour are too suggestive or down right showy for young kids. Let's see movies for kids and the family or shows like Disney hour. If you don't get cable or own your own dish you can't get good family shows.
- I think they should go back to family hour. Most children are done with their baths and need some winding down time at this time. We used to sit down every night and eat popcorn and watch a few shows before the kids headed off to bed. It's hard to do that now. There aren't many quality shows on at that time that I would like to watch with my children. All the violence and sex seems to be on every show you watch.
- I feel that television is an opportunity to relax and enjoy QUALITY programming. If there was an hour specifically based for family programming it would take away the viewing from the many other entertainment viewers. I am not saying that the shows need to be violent, rude or sexually oriented; they need to be catered to all audiences. The programs aired on NBC between 8-9pm, I feel are appropriate. The programming needs to be funny and enjoyable to all viewers.
- No, I do not think a mandatory family hour is appropriate. As informed adults and parents, we should have the option of making wise choices for ourselves and our children. That means turning the television off and enjoying our families in different, more productive ways. We have the ultimate control over what comes into our homes ..... the off button!:)