Television is often used as a babysitter. "You simply switch on the television when you want to get your child out of your way and do some work. This is where you go wrong," says Dr. Dayal.

Lata Hariharan, mother of seven-year-old Aditya says, "My son used to watch every other channel and at one point, he started imitating whatever he saw. This is when I snapped to reality and realised that a serious problem was on its way. So I have put a child lock on my television and locked many channels."

Dr. Dayal advises parents to be consistent. You need to lay down rules for your child if you do not want her to be a television addict. You need to tell them that they can watch only some shows and only for a limited amount of time.

You need to use television as a luxury item. Make it clear to them that television is a privilege and not their right. For example, you can use television as a reward for some activity that your child has done.

Monitor what he watches. Encourage other activities like games and dance.

You need to make an effort, if you do not want your child to be a television addict. Devote time to him. Play together. Involve yourself in games like chess, ludo, snakes and ladders, etc., which will keep your child busy.

You can also help her creative side by teaching her to draw and paint. Once she is engrossed in an activity, she will forget about the television. It is also recommended that you avoid watching late night television, as children imitate their parents.

Let the television be a luxury item, just as it used to be and you can definitely save your child from turning into a couch potato.