These days, cable TV content covers a wide range of shows in different genres ranging from the child-friendly to the adult-oriented programs. But if you are a parent with small children, you surely would want to avoid certain programs not fit for kids.
Fortunately, you can take steps to do this. There are various tools parents can use today to ensure that they subscribe only to cable channels airing programs ideal for families and children.
The first most important step you can take is to choose a package with limited channels. Many cable TV providers offer different packages that include various channels. Normally, the less number of channels involved, the lower the monthly fee.
Family packages usually include educational channels with a few adult-oriented content. Some popular channels covered here are Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel.
Most television units nowadays also have an embedded chip which can be activated to block certain content. The remote can be used to activate the chip and to enable you block programs with specific ratings or within specific content ratings.
Do remember, however, that it cannot block TV shows with no ratings hence sports and news programs will always be included. Parents also need to make sure that their kids don’t get hold of the remote or they may be able to disable the blocking feature.
The cable converter box is another device you can use to block content. Through this tool, specific programs can be avoided by setting a password. Be sure not to give the password to your kid so they won’t be able to reset the cable box.
Another option is to use the Weemote. This is a remote control device for children but parents can program it so their kids can visit only certain channels with no adult or violent content. Other than the regular device, there’s a separate version with DVD controls.
For parents particular about the language being spoken on cable channel, the TVGuardian is ideal. This device comes in the form of a box that is connected between the TV and DVD player. What this box can do is mute unpleasant words while they are detected. It can be set to different levels such as moderate, strict or tolerant. So far, this can only be used with DVDs that have closed captions scanning capability.
Above all these tools, however, is the need to constantly supervise the viewing time of your kids. If you can, watch TV together with them to enable you to teach them about certain lessons at the same time.
Photo via today.com
About the guest author:
Jonie is a young mother who prefers cable TV over satellite. More information on this type of TV service can be found at www.cablenet.net.
Originally posted on January 28, 2013 @ 4:15 am
