The Effect of Media on Our Children

Firstly, I would like to say that whether we realize it or not, our children pick up on everything they are exposed to. It is important to pay keen attention to what your child is watching, playing, & listening to. It is not 'cute' when a 5 year old can rehearse the lyrics of a song that degrades women, nor is it acceptable for us parents to condone such behavior.

Many people may think that I am an extremist on this issue, but this is a serious matter that I think we as a society take too lightly. Allowing our children to become molded by the media is a growing epidemic. Instead of fortifying our children with positive messages about the value of themselves, and the importance of respect for each other, we allow the media to come into our homes and disparage our morals.

If you look at the way our culture is today you will see the proof that our society is in shambles. Teenage pregnancy rates are up, & so is crime & violence in our neighborhoods. Our children no longer value themselves enough to have the confidence to become what they once aspired to be, as they are failing in school. Some of us blame the government for the lack of funding, or the teachers for the lack of caring, but at the end of the day, it is the parents who make the most difference in our children's lives.

Instead of allowing our children to think it's ambitious to want to become a 'DJ' , a "Model" , or the next "American Idol', we should turn off the television & the radio & instill in them the importance of a thorough education. We should teach them to differentiate between fiction on TV & the reality they live in. It is critical that we draw the line & not allow the media to be the sole influencers of our children.