Q&A: Irene Audain, chief executive of the Scottish Out of School Care Network, on children and TV

Published on Tuesday 3 February 2009 21:43

The chief executive of the Scottish Out of School Care Network discusses research claiming watching too much television can make children mentally ill and depressed.

Why are children watching so much TV, which in turn researchers claim is damaging their mental health?

A lot of the time it is probably because they want to watch TV. But also parents are afraid to take risks with children in letting them out to play and taking part in activities outside of the home. In some cases watching TV is educating, but not always and use of TV should be limited. Parents should also make sure that what their children are watching is suitable for their age. Watching TV can be a very isolating activity.

What sort of activities should children be doing if they should be watching less TV?

We should have a more child-centred society where there are areas and play centres where children can go and take part in activities. They need to get out of the house so they are not so isolated. The problem is that a lot of the time childcare facilities and activities are only open to people who can afford to pay for them. We need to make sure there are more free activities available to everyone.

Why is there such a shortage of things for children to do outside of their own home?

I just don't think enough attention has been paid to creating areas and centres for children to play. There are just not enough resources for young people. We are now in the middle of a recession, so the chances of these kind of resources becoming available are even slimmer.

Why are parents afraid of letting their children out of the home so they can escape the TV?

Children have less freedom now than in the past. Increased traffic and fears about strangers mean they may be kept indoors more. We want more after-school clubs to be open and available for the whole community so all children can benefit.