[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 112 (Wednesday, September 20, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        A TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL ``TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR TV'' WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 20, 2000

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a worthy 
and important program, which is the National Taking Charge of Your TV 
Week. This program runs from September 24th through the 29th.
  The National PTA, the National Cable Television Association, and 
Cable in the Classroom have collaborated to develop a program in which 
parents and teachers mentor their children on how to use the media 
effectively and watch television responsibly. By providing 
questionnaires and guidelines, this program helps parents and teachers 
evaluate and curtail the impact of television violence and 
commercialism on their children.
  The program also provides information on TV ratings, how to monitor 
your chidlren's television, and general research on the effects of 
television on children. However, the most important thing this program 
does is to have the TV temporarily turned off and families brought 
together.
  Thanks to Vice President Gore, this topic has received much attention 
recently. But, his emphasis on the government as a solution to this 
problem is misguided. It is going to be through teacher and parental 
involvement that children learn responsible television watching. And, 
it is programs like National Taking Charge of Your TV Week that will 
make our country stronger and our children safer.

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