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. Television, the Internet, and computer
games are also major players.
Messages in ads, TV programs
and games — in print, 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 reality shows 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. Those figures can
avoid handling conflicts that can’t be solved in 22 minutes — or worse, in 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. And remember to be aware of media content, and use
good judgment in your selections.
These steps are a key to
raising healthy, well-adjusted children.
