Children
used to gain knowledge of the world in a slow, controlled way. They learned how
to behave by watching adults and repeating 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 advertising, 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 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 become frustrated when they can’t resolve a conflict in 22 minutes — or
worse, 22 seconds. Be aware of media content and use good judgment in your selections.
Doing
so is a key to raising healthy, well-adjusted children.
