Today television is the most powerful tool in each and every home. It has become a central piece of home appliances! Over and over again when we switch on our TV sets, we turn off our brain. Many of us become vegetables in front of television shows in day or night time. And lot of people blame television for different health problems from eye, obesity to psychological trouble. Research results from different places also suggest that television has long-lasting harmful effects on health. Although we realise the probable dangers of letting our offsprings watch violent and adult scenes, but many do not recognise that this isn't the only problem. Especially in cases of children and teenagers who can't figure out what is real and what isn't on television! They also can't realise the rationality of tricky advertisements. One American study summarised some major effects of heavy television watching in children. They are-

*Increased aggressive behaviour and acceptance of violence.

*Difficulty in distinguishing between fantasy and reality.

*Trivilisation of sex and sexualitys.

*Increased passivity and disengagement.

According to some scientists, television watching is linked with overweight, smoking and high cholesterol levels.

Nevertheless we can't get rid of these justified criticisms as our hands are tied in this technical millennium. But we need to make TV a positive tool at our homes as much as possible. It is also not illogical that there are some television benefits. Following tips may minimise harmful effects of television especially on our children and teenagers -- because this is the time (between 3-15 years) when their body and brain fix-up most of their moral, social and physical developments.

In today's hectic life, TV can bring an opportunity to spend time with family members. Watching television with family will give us a chance to talk and we can overcome some of the passivity and the question of what is real and what is not. Watch with children, discuss what we see on TV, and ask questions that make your child think about what he or she is watching.

It is important how many hours a week one should watch television. To limit negative effects on learning we need to control both duration and categories. Television could be least harmful to children in small doses. Try -- not to allow your children after 10pm.

Serials, movies and documentaries have tremendous impact, both in terms of social and cultural. Select in advance those programmes your family will watch. Explain to your children about real purposes of most commercials. Sacrifice your own personal preferences. And sometimes join your children watching their movies. Share with their views and enjoyment. Beware of Hindi serials and movies; these are naughty sedatives. Sometimes most of the channels are not watchable. A parent should consider a number of things in terms of information and knowledge. If possible, buy a VCD or DVD-set and choose quality cartoons, healthy documentaries and classical movies including great people's biographies.