Children And The Media

Children inform themselves, from an early age, about the surrounding world. The sources they can rely on are different and various like: parents, teachers, friends and  the mass-media. A plus in attention must be accorded to information gained from the TV, radio and the Internet. This media means are a valuable informational base but we have to consider the fact that on numerous occasions the news can be aggressive, characterized by violence or treating delicate themes.

Materials that are related to natural catastrophes or kidnappings, homicides, attacks of theorist groups, school violence or amorous relationships of politicians, can create confusion in a child’s mind that can develop into a deformed perception on society, considering it a confused and hostile environment.

As a parent you have to think how to contra-attack the effect this sort of news and information as well as the images that go with them. The easiest way to deal with this is through dialog and the little one will in time create a protective ’shield’ that will avoid the apparition of an emotional misbalance.

Some practical advice:

• Get your child used to read publications designated to his age category and to watch television programs of the same kind. They are less aggressive.

• Custom him to analyse carefully all that he hears and not to consider that all information are necessarily real just because the way of presentation is a spectacular one.

• Talk to him about all news events.

• Try to identify the child’s predilections when it comes to news and his habits as a media consumer.

If you might consider the show in question is not appropriate for the child, then just turn off the TV. But remember this is just a momentary solution. In order to keep your child out of the media violence, you should impose a tight rule about television viewing, and always keep an eye for your child’s everyday activities.