TV AS TEACHER

As a clinical psychologist who specializes in children and families, I believe that television is, like most other things, only as useful a product as we make it. That is, the educational and interactive qualities of video have positive potential.

Sadly, I rarely see this. Rather, I see whole families where the relationships among the members revolve entirely around the TV and their favorite shows. Used in this manner, television stymies communication and growth, rather than enhancing it.

MATTHEW DUGGAN

Long Beach