Rating: 
Summary: The Varied Effects of Television
Review: Not only is The Plug-In Drug filled with incredible statistics, but it is an extremely readable book. I am tempted to say that the book is entertaining, except that the subject matter, and its conclusions are too disturbing to be described as "entertainment."The book begins with descriptions of the physical effects of television watching (altered brain wave patterns, metabolic rate), and changes in behavior immediately after watching. Then continues with the general effects on families, education, and our society as a whole. I was particularly interested in her discussion of the way in which young children learn (through manipulation of objects, experimentation, i.e. play), and how television watching has come to replace play. Also, the correlation with the drop in Verbal SAT scores with the prevalent exposure to televion was a real eye-opener. Marie Winn tries, and I believe, succeeds to present an argument that is based solely on data (both scientific and anecdotal), and not on moral or intellectual dogma. Each point she makes is carefully thought out, explained, and justified with proof of the point. As a person who works with school age children, and a mother of 2 young children, I would suggest this book be required reading for all parents and educators.
Rating:
Summary: The Varied Effects of Television
Review: Not only is The Plug-In Drug filled with incredible statistics, but it is an extremely readable book. I am tempted to say that the book is entertaining, except that the subject matter, and its conclusions are too disturbing to be described as "entertainment." The book begins with descriptions of the physical effects of television watching (altered brain wave patterns, metabolic rate), and changes in behavior immediately after watching. Then continues with the general effects on families, education, and our society as a whole. I was particularly interested in her discussion of the way in which young children learn (through manipulation of objects, experimentation, i.e. play), and how television watching has come to replace play. Also, the correlation with the drop in Verbal SAT scores with the prevalent exposure to televion was a real eye-opener. Marie Winn tries, and I believe, succeeds to present an argument that is based solely on data (both scientific and anecdotal), and not on moral or intellectual dogma. Each point she makes is carefully thought out, explained, and justified with proof of the point. As a person who works with school age children, and a mother of 2 young children, I would suggest this book be required reading for all parents and educators.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I'd read this book when my oldest was an infant
Review: This is one of the most compelling books I have read in my entire life. Agree or disagree with her arguments as you wish, but consider the changes in my three young sons after I read this book and drastically limited their TV time: fewer fights, more interest in toys, academics, family, friends, outdoors, reading, and being read to. My children are much calmer with very little TV. Their previous viewing was non-violent and age appropriate. As for Sesame Street, my five year old is better off spending his time interacting with me through my reading to him and passing on my values directly instead of relying on muppets to do it for me. (I don't have a problem with Sesame Street per se- I started watching it at 6 mos. old! But given a choice, Winn makes a good case that Mom - or "equivalent" is better.)
Since this book showed up, our home has been a happier place.
I also highly recommend "Unplugging the Plug-In Drug" by Winn. It is out of print but available if you hunt.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I'd read this book when my oldest was an infant
Review: This is one of the most compelling books I have read in my entire life. Agree or disagree with her arguments as you wish, but consider the changes in my three young sons after I read this book and drastically limited their TV time: fewer fights, more interest in toys, academics, family, friends, outdoors, reading, and being read to. My children are much calmer with very little TV. Their previous viewing was non-violent and age appropriate. As for Sesame Street, my five year old is better off spending his time interacting with me through my reading to him and passing on my values directly instead of relying on muppets to do it for me. (I don't have a problem with Sesame Street per se- I started watching it at 6 mos. old! But given a choice, Winn makes a good case that Mom - or "equivalent" is better.)
Since this book showed up, our home has been a happier place.
I also highly recommend "Unplugging the Plug-In Drug" by Winn. It is out of print but available if you hunt.
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