GraceNowadays, television plays a major role in most family homes. Although television was invented more than half a century ago, it has become a part of most children's daily lives. Children began to turn to television as their primary source of entertainment. Television has its own good sides, but research shows that the downsides of watching TV for kids outweigh the benefits. This is because it will affect children's health, educational development, cognitive skills and also children's behavior. Watching television has many negative effects on children's health. First of all, children who like to watch TV will affect their own health. To begin with, they spend long hours watching television, which is very likely to damage children's eyesight. According to experts, children who sit too close to the television or watch television in a dark room will easily damage their eyes (Schramm, Lyle, & Parker, 1961). Additionally, children who watch a lot of television can become obese and overweight. As Boyse (2009) discovered, the majority of television advertising promotes unhealthy foods to children, which can lead to weight problems. Most television commercials promote foods high in calories, sugar and salt. They are also low in nutrients. Additionally, television use could impact the quantity and quality of sleep children receive. Studies have found that children who have a television in their bedroom sleep less and go to bed later than those who do not have a television in their bedroom (Mustand Parisi, 2009). This can lead to weight gain in children and... middle of paper ...... ensure the mental and physical health of children and ensure they have a happy and safe family life. Reference List 1. Schramm, W., Lyle, J. and Parker, EB (1961). Television in our children's lives. London: Oxford University Press.2. Gunter, B. and McAleer, J. (1997). Children and television. London: Routledge.3. Brown, R. (1976). Children and television. London: Cassell & Collier Macmillan.4. OnlineBoése, K. (2009). Television and children. Retrieved from http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/tv.html5. Must, A. and Parisi, SM (2009). Sedentary behavior and sleep: paradoxical effects in association with childhood obesity. International Journal of Obesity, 33(1), 84. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/pqdweb?index=3&did=1679663481&SrchMode=1&sid=6&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT= 309&VName =PQD&TS=1274613992&clientId=13713