In fact most parents and guardians are guilty of letting the television babysit their children.
The moving pictures on the screen keep children distracted and out of our way – for hours.
The other day I walked in on my eight-year-old brother playing a video game which had an age restriction of 16.
I took it away, of course, but how long had he been playing it?
What has he learned in all that time he has been playing it?
There are numerous debates around whether violence in video games incites violence in real life.
Young children do not have the maturity to predict the long-term consequences of their actions.
Playing violent games over and over may make them believe it is acceptable behaviour.
Often, when parents see their children misbehaving – especially in public – they often say “uwufundephi lomkhuba omubi?” (Where did you pick up this dirty habit?)
If children are spending four or more hours in front of the television every day, why are we surprised when they display ‘habits’ we don’t approve of?
From the foul language in music videos to the violence in video games, children are exposed to many behaviors that are not a true reflection of life in the home.
So maybe it is a good thing that we are embarrassed in this way ever so often.
If you aren’t teaching your children, then who is? Parents need to take responsibility and train their children.
By the way, this ‘moulding’ should happen away from television screens and consoles.
