Much has been said about the violence on television and its potentially harmful effects on children. Everything from cartoons to toy commercials depicts violence in some form, and it is understandable that parents may be frightened. However, television can be a valuable tool for children"s social and academic education. Programs like Sesame Street have for years taught young children the basics of reading and math in a multicultural framework. Educational children"s programming abounds, and each show has something unique to offer. By watching these shows, children are encouraged to be creative. Educational programming also includes shows on stations like the Discovery Channel and the History Network. Many of these shows can be watched by both adults and children and can therefore stimulate dialog within the home. Even entertainment television such as sitcoms can help children make sense of their world. An early exposure to popular culture can be highly beneficial later in life, because so many casual conversations are steeped in pop culture. Television can also help children learn the intricacies of language, become familiar with a variety of ethnic and cultural groups, and learn how people interact with one another. While not all television is suitable for young viewers, a great deal is. Parents can use their own discrimination to select shows that they feel might benefit their children"s language and social development.

             Television can be directly and indirectly educational. Direct educational programming includes those shows that are designed to be instructional, such as those on the Discovery Channel, the History Network, or even the Food Network. Children usually enjoy learning about animals and will therefore be open to watching documentaries on different creatures from around the world. Some of these shows offer fascinating tidbits of information about biology, ecology, and botany.