If you are like many North American families, your kids enjoy the privilege of watching TV in their bedroom. Have we, however, given this decision the deliberation it deserves? Consider this - Both the American and Canadian Pediatric Society are not in favor of allowing children to watch television in their room.

As parents, have we discounted the negative social and physiological ramifications already associated with television viewing? Various levels of obesity, youth violence and even sexual promiscuity have been linked to our obsession with the tube. A recent study by the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine has identified that children with a television in their bedroom watch an average of 2 more hours per week and are not only more inclined to under perform academically, but are more likely to resist going to bed. Of these children, a slightly higher percentage is boys, who also use their TVs to play video games. In North America 40% of low income kids between the ages of 1 and 4 who have a television in their bedroom are likely to become overweight.

How will watching more TV encourage them to develop the social and intellectual tools that they will need, as they grow older? The bedroom is not a communal place. Issues of isolation family communication are compounded when a television is brought in, since many children already spend an inordinate amount of time on their bedroom-based computer. Outdoor play, family interaction and group activities are extremely hindered.

Are we conveniently choosing to ignore the obvious for the sake of some temporary peace and quiet? A TV in the bedroom means that a child can be less selective about what they watch. Without the proper monitoring you may have less control over their viewing habits and are less able to educate them about what they see. A busy parent has less opportunity to participate in the very valuable process of jointly discussing the appropriate program material and sharing their experiences as they watch TV together with their child.

Have we acted too quickly in bringing yet another TV into the household? Easy access to the remote control means that it is possible to watch TV during hours when programming is unsuitable. It is also a more readily available distraction from homework and household responsibilities. For many children TV acts as a stimulant before bedtime creating an environment for unhealthy sleeping habits.

In a fast-paced world where it is becoming increasingly difficult to find time to connect with our kids and supervise their actions, what are parents giving up by advocating even more television in their children's lives? Wherever possible, it would serve our children well if we gave them a chance to take a break from the media hype that bombards them everyday.