Smart TV

Can watching television help learning?

It's the holidays and if you find your children sitting comatose in front of the television, help may be at hand.

Today the Radio Times launches 'SmartTV', a magazine aimed at improving children's knowledge through television.

It will be published three times a year and will help parents and teachers identify programmes that will help kids learn.

So will the new magazine help in developing children's education? Breakfast discussed this with Liz Vercoe from the Radio Times and James Delingpole the Spectator's television critic.

Click here to see our interview with Liz Vercoe and James Delingpole

Drama, light entertainment, and sport will all be featured, the publishers promise it won't be all animals and history and say other genres can help with learning.

Most of the programmes that will be selected are from prime time viewing and are suitable for all the family.

Smart TV is not a children's magazine, but will tell parents and teachers about what's coming up.

Programmes listed in the magazine will be categorised according to most suitable age group.

There are also tips on how the programmes can help with the school curriculum.

There will also be 'child centred' features which tackle issues like bullying.

How to get Smart TV

The magazine comes out three times a year in April, August and December to coincide with new school terms. It costs £4.99 and can be ordered by calling 01795 414 727 - you will need a credit card. It's also available at selected branches of WH Smith.