I'm not usually one for weighing in on personal or family issues, but my general dislike for television collides with news like this and I can't help but passing something like this on. I like what a friend of mine has done with her family. As a general rule, if they see it on TV, they can't have it. But alas, that's just one mother's way of handling the onslaught of ads geared toward children. Another friend of mine grew up virtually sans television. Their TV is relegated to a corner of the basement and last I heard, they still rented the VCR from the local video store when they want to watch a movie. Granted, these are measures that are not for all, and TV is unfortunately the path of least resistance for many when trying to keep kids occupied.

"For all children, a time limit makes a big difference," she said. "Parents need to provide other options so TV isn't the first resort or becomes a constant background in a child's life."

Chicago Tribune: Task force reports commercials have big effect on kids

Research shows about 65 percent of America's school children have televisions in their bedrooms. Even one of four toddlers has personalized TV access.

If you ask Joanne Cantor, this is not good. Part of her reasoning is based on a new, comprehensive report by an American Psychological Association task force calling for tighter government regulation of television advertising aimed at children.

"Sponsors spend a lot of money for a 30-second commercial to make the product seem so incredibly fun and enticing," said Cantor, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin and member of the APA task force. "Then Mom -- or Dad -- is left with only words to provide a counterpoint of view."

Cantor and her APA colleagues spent two years poring over all available studies about kids and TV. Among other findings: The typical American child will see 40,000 commercials this year. That's more than 100 per day.

What's more, the task force confirmed what some behavioral scientists have been contending for nearly three decades. Kids who are 8 or younger can't discern what is a sales pitch and what isn't.

UPDATE: Chris O'Donnell bit into this one with a full set of teeth. I knew I'd like his point of view on this subject!