Reducing Children's Television Viewing with an Inexpensive Lock

Abstract

Two families were recruited for a study assessing the effectiveness of an inexpensive television lock for monitoring children's television viewing. The lock unit sits on top of the TV set and attaches to the electrical cord of the TV. Parents control the flow of electricity to the TV by inserting a key in the top of the unit and turning it to “Off” or “On.” While in the “Off” position, the flow of electricity is stopped, thereby preventing television viewing. Two parents who purchased the lock were requested to record the total number of hours of TV watched by each of their children for a 7-day baseline period and for 7 days during which the lock was used. Follow-up data were collected approximately 6 months later for 4 days. Results indicate that the lock was effective in reducing time spent viewing TV among children in both families, and behavior patterns were maintained during a 6-month follow-up.