Remote Control: A Sensible Approach to Kids, TV, and the New Electronic Media

Introduction

• A Diminishing Childhood

• Children and Television

• About This Book

• There Is Hope!

PART I - UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION

Chapter 1: The Myths and Messages of Television

• Blood and Guts: Violence on Television

• S-E-X

• The World According to Hollywood: Stereotypes and Other Myths

• The Advertising Engine

• A Closer Look at Children's Television

• Summary

Chapter 2: A Child's View of Television

• A Special View of Television

• A Child's Involvement with Television: Passive or Active?

• A Child's Understanding of Television: Attention and Comprehension

• A Child's View Beyond Television: Video and Computer Technology

• Summary 

Chapter 3: The Charm and Cost of Television

• The Lure of the Small Screen

• The Cost of Heavy Viewing

• Summary

PART II - MANAGING TELEVISION

Chapter 4: A Parent's Role

• Our Responsibility With Television

• Getting Started: Understanding Your Child's Viewing Habits

• The Rules of the Road

• Summary

Chapter 5: Options for Change

• The Low-Tech Road: Family Rules

• The High-Tech Road: Electronic Tools

• The Middle Road: Behavior Modification

• Summary

Chapter 6: Family Life (With and Without Television)

• With Television: Co-Viewing Strategies

• Without Television: Alternative Activities

• 101 Fun and Simple Things To Do With Your Family

• Summary

Appendices

• A: Sample Log of Activities
  Log of Activities

• B: Sample Contract
  Contract

• C: Contacting Networks

• D: Suggested Reading

End Notes

• Introduction

• Chapter 1

• Chapter 2

• Chapter 3

• Chapter 4

• Chapter 5

• Chapter 6

Indices

• Subject Index

• Author Index

• Index of Television Programs