Based on interviews with families, teachers and child specialists, this study examines television's impact on children. The book addresses the question - how does the passive act of watching television affect the developing child's relationship with the real world? This revised edition includes material on video games and computers, as well as a new chapter, "Television and the school". This work aims to help parents and educators re-examine their attitudes towards television and become aware of its dangers.

About the Author

Marie Winn has written thirteen books, among them Children Without Childhood, Unplugging the Plug-In Drug, and Red-Tails in Love. She currently writes a column about nature for the Wall Street Journal. She has two grown children and four grandchildren who are growing up without television.

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9 Reviews

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4.9 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars The Plug-In Drug/Television, Children, and the Family, Feb 20 2002

Carlo M. Merhi (MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Plug-in Drug: Television, Children, and the Family; Revised Edition (Paperback)

Excellent. A must read for parents of kids of all ages.It is really well written and should make a responsible parent a believer. Kill the TV before it kills your kids brains or at least be very selective as to what they watch.

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5.0 out of 5 stars helps in understanding children, Nov 22 2000

Robertson Thomas (Hapcheon, Gyeongnam, South Korea) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Plug-in Drug: Television, Children, and the Family; Revised Edition (Paperback)

For a long time I have been discouraged in my efforts to establish two-way communication with children. I would bring books, toys, and games to social functions and share them with children. Once one activity was over, the children would stare at me, waiting for me to start another activity. Why won't they provide any input of their own? Am I overpowering them without realizing it?

This book explained everything: the children think I'm a television!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Should television be classified as a dangerous drug?, Aug 17 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Plug-in Drug: Television, Children, and the Family; Revised Edition (Paperback)

This book is about the effects of television on children and families.The use of television starts innocently enough.Too often TV is used as a child minder so that parents can get some peace and quiet: to prepare meals, so that Mom and Dad can sleep in at week-ends, etc.But dangers lurk in this innocent scenario.Before long, the kids are hooked on watching, and parents are hooked on a device for having the kids out of the way.Marie Winn aptly calls TV a drug.Many parents are aware of the dilemma, but often they are and the kids too hooked to break the habit.Winn explores the process of this addiction and the harm done to vibrant human living.For example, excessive TV viewing hampers the personal and social development of the child, so some mothers get a job to escape from their maladjusted kids!Winn offers helpful advice to families trying to cope with TV.She gives examples of the benefits families have experienced when they went without TV, such as increased family interaction, more creative and satisfying activities,doing various things that had been put of, and so on.Marie Winn gives many examples from family life which add great interest to this thoughtful and helpful book.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars THROW YOUR TV IN THE TRASH!
Read 4 Arguments...Jerry Mander Then this book! If you are looking for "ways" to get rid of the TV, or "ways" to occupy your families (or your) time away... Read more

Published on Aug 10 2000 by ummtas

5.0 out of 5 stars A book all the parents should read
A wonderful book, that all parents should read in order to eliminate their TVs and *live* again.

Published on Aug 15 1999 by hh@uol.com.br