DePaul University psychologist Leonard Jason said despite the new industry ratings for kids' television, parents still need to monitor their children's viewing habits actively and not use the television as a babysitter.

Last week the conservative media watchdog group Media Research Center said the new ratings system is inconsistent and that makes it tough for parents to pick shows appropriate for kids.

Jason has co-authored a new book, "Remote Control: A Sensible Approach to Kids, TV, and The New Electronic Media." "Remote Control," with Libby K. Hanaway, will be released this spring by Professional Research Press of Sarasota, Fla.

"Having the television networks rate their own programming is like having the chicken coop guarded by a fox," said Jason. "By 1998, the 'V' chip will be available, letting parents block out programs. The current rating system makes it difficult for most parents to block out what they consider inappropriate for their children."

Jason says most researchers and TV activists believe the age-based system is inadequate. They believe a content-based numerical system, where the degree of violence, sexuality and language can be rated, as has been tested in Canada, would give parents the information they need to screen out shows they consider inappropriate.

"There is an indisputable link between TV violence and aggression," said Jason. "Unfortunately, there are about 20 violent acts each hour in children's TV shows. According to the American Psychological Association, decades of psychological research have shown that violence on TV may make children less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, more fearful of the world around them, and more likely to behave in aggressive and harmful ways toward others."

Jason says that nothing but parental intervention will eliminate the exposure to inappropriate viewing because children can gain access at their friends' homes or at arcades.

"There is no substitute for parental guidance," said Jason. "Rather than using the TV and other electronic media as babysitters, parents need to monitor what their children are being exposed to and actively discuss those programs."

How does the family know it has a problem with watching too much TV or watching inappropriate TV? Jason answers:

• The first thing any family member does when entering the home is to turn on television and watch it for long periods of time.

• The majority of a child's leisure time is occupied in passive activity, such as watching television.

• Your child would prefer to watch television, rather than spend time with a best friend or playmate.

Here are Jason's basic suggestions on how to turn the situation around:

• Watch some TV with your children and discuss what is being shown. Help your children understand what the commercials are trying to do.
• Know what your children are watching. If the feature contains too much violence or inappropriate language or sexuality, inform your children why this is not the type of program they should be watching. Be firm but consistent in your TV viewing policies.
• Try not to watch television during the dinner hour. Reserve that for time to talk with family members.
• Play games or plan other family-involved activities to substitute for TV viewing.

Jason said that Americans need to inform the TV industry and the government of their dissatisfaction with the age-based ratings. Members of Congress are expected to hold hearings later this month on the current system's effectiveness.

For more information contact Jason at DePaul at 773/325-2018.