It’s easy to get into the habit of turning on the tube when we get home and leaving it on until we go to sleep. It’s easier still to use TV as a baby-sitter when we’re stressed out. And it’s very easy at the end of a long day to turn on some mindless situation comedy and veg-out.

But as we all know, the easy way out often complicates our lives in the long run. We are experiencing a crisis among many of our nation’s young people. Violence is epidemic. Young people are having trouble paying attention in class; they are learning disrespect at earlier and earlier ages. At least some of the blame has to be given to television and the way we have been using it for the past 30 years. The easy way may not have been the best way.

Hopefully, all schools and parents will begin teaching their children responsible ways to use the electronic media, just as we have always taught children how to safely cross the street. Much like the automobile, television has genuinely enriched our lives. But, much like the automobile, if we don’t learn how to use it properly somebody could get hurt.

Thanks for participating in No TV Week.