Radio Commentary
Children used to gain knowledge of
the world in a slow, 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 deemed
suitable for their age level.
But times
have changed. Today’s children are flung quickly into the realm of adult
knowledge as mass media bombard children with messages.
Rock and rap song lyrics, DVDs,
Facebook and advertising all play their parts. TV and computer games are also
major players.
Messages in ads, TV programs, and
games — 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,
adventure shows, or scenes in computer games, 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 movie 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.
