Radio Commentary
Children used to acquire knowledge
of the world in a gradual, controlled way. They learned how to behave by
watching adults and modeling their actions.
The slowly developing reading
skills of young people restricted them mostly to stories and facts that were
deemed suitable for their age level.
But times have changed. Today
children are flung quickly into the realm of adult knowledge.
Certainly the mass media bombard
children with messages at every turn. Rock and rap song lyrics, DVDs, and
advertising all play their parts. TV, the Internet, and computer games are also
major players.
Messages in ads, TV programs,
games, and online — and even some content on the nightly news — would have been
shocking to see just one short generation ago.
Young viewers can’t always
distinguish between the drama and trauma of soap operas and adventure shows,
and the day-to-day routine that most adults live.
Without proper guidance, children
can grow up dissatisfied with lives less exciting and glamorous than the TV
heroes they admire or those on their computer screens. They can avoid handling
conflicts that can’t be solved in 22 minutes or worse, 22 seconds.
Creating a family of media critics
is one answer to this challenge. “Talking back” to the TV or computer screen is
a good first step. Be aware of media content and use good judgment in
selections.
These steps are a key to raising
healthy, well-adjusted children.
