Introduction

 

Media in the way of Television (TV), movies, radio, internet and advertisements etc. has its positive influences on children.  It can be used as a tool for entertainment and education.  

However, it is true if we were to look at it in reverse.  Children are just as likely to learn things from media that parents don't want them to learn. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), "Children are influenced by media–they learn by observing, imitating, and making behaviors their own". Many studies have shown that media can affect kids' health, behaviour and family life in negative ways too.

Media vs Childhood Obesity

 
Studies have shown the link between Media influence in child obesity.  Advertising plays a key role in the influence of child obesity.  The Majority of children believe what advertisements say.  According to the American Psychological Association, "Children's exposure to TV ads for unhealthy food products are a significant risk factor for obesity."  There are many advertisements that encourage unhealthy eating habits. 

 

Kids are exposed to cartoons or programs that include labels with subtle messages about brands and products. The more time children spend in front of the television, playing video games and surfing the internet, the more they are exposed to junk food advertising.  

  Studies have also shown that children who watch a lot of TV are likely to be  more inactive than children that don't watch as much, and tend to snack more often. TV time and video game time tend to replace children's active playtime.

Media Influence on Children's Behaviour

Decades of studies have asked whether there is a link between exposure to media violence and violent behavior.  All but a few agreed. 

During a child's early years of development, they are taught to listen, watch and imitate. Watching their favourite cartoon superheroes perform violent acts may send children the message that violence is acceptable.  Studies have shown that children hear violence through music or watch violence in the media often show more aggression than others.  A child will then imitate this behaviour in their 'play.'

Listening to and watching music/videos of popstar idols that exploit drugs abuse, alcohol abuse, sex, suicide influence a child's behaviour also.

Music plays a big part in our life, "teens listen to on average 40 hours of music per week". Many parents believe that violent messages in rap music contribute a great deal" to school violence.

According to the AAP, "Extensive research evidence indicates that media violence can contribute to aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, nightmares, and fear of being harmed." Watching violent shows is also linked with having less empathy toward others.

 

 The increase in reality TV shows,often depicting inappropriate behaviour, also have an a flow on affect on children's behaviour. One Australian study revealed that "children who watched reality programming were significantly more likely to associate wealth, popularity and beauty as factors that contribute to happiness". Many young people especially teen girls didn''t realise the fact that reality shows are decidedly not reality.

Benefits of Media for Children

 Despite the many negative effects of media on children, Television and media are a core part of a child's day to day life and it definitely has positive influence on children as well. Many high quality educational children programmes can "open up new worlds for kids, giving them the chance to explore their imagination, learn about different cultures, and gain exposure to ideas they may never encounter in their own community".

It is often that parents are surprised when the first few words from their children have been picked up from their favourite cartoon or TV show. More parents have also noticed the positive impact media has had on their children's numerical and musical skills. If the parents can get involved in what your child is watching, helping them to divide what is 'good' and what is not, then watching TV, playing video games, even internet can benefit your children.

Conclusion

After looking at the years of research regarding the influence of media on children and media itself, two ideas are apparent. Firstly, that early research and opinions lent more towards its negative influence on children and secondly, it is enevidable that inappropriate content for children will show in media.  

However, more recently, studies show the more positive influences media can have. These positive influences are reliant on two key components: parental monitoring, control, recommendations and guidance with appropriate content. 

References

DeNoon, D, J (April 4, 2006). Media exposure linked to child, teen health, behavior problems. Retrieved September 29, 2012 from http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,190566,00.html

Donner, E (March 31, 2011). The influence of violence media on children & adolescents. Retrieved September 29, 2012 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/221675-the-influence-of-violent-media-on-children-adolescents/

Durrani, A (November 18, 2008) TV is positive influence on child development. Retrieved September 29, 2012 from http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/news/863137/TV-positive-influence-child-development/

Melnic, M (October 18, 2011). What reality TV teches teen girls. Retrived September 29, 2012 from http://healthland.time.com/2011/10/18/what-reality-tv-teaches-teen-girls/

Rose, T (October 4, 2011). The media's influence on childhood obesity. Retrieved September 29, 2012 from http://suite101.com/article/the-medias-influence-on-childhood-obesity-a391789

Ten Links

Media exposure linked to child health, behavior problems   

This website talks about  how media, as TV, video games, internet, music/videos is related to children/teenagers obesity, social isolation, early sexual initiation and aggressive and violent behavior.  

Media influence on child obesity

Child obesity is a major problem in nowadays. This website explains the connection between media and childhood obesity. The more time children spend in front of  TV, video games, computers, the bigger chance they are exposed to junk food ads, therefore there will be better chance their diet is going to be unhealthy. On top of that, TV, video games, internet time have replaced children's normal activity/outdoor time. Therefore, the longer screen time increases the risk of obesity.

The influence of violent media on children & adolescents

This website shows the negative influence of violent media on children. It can produce distress, emotional anesthetization to violence, loss of empathy for victims and the view that violence is an acceptable means for dealing with problems. Young children can't divide the fantasy and reality well, they will think violence is OK and imitate the violence in their action.

what reality TV teaches teen girls

This website talks about reality shows are bad example for teen girls. A survey shows that most of the girls who watch reality show don't realise that reality show is not real. It may impact on young girls' self image. Reality shows teach young person that you have to lie, to be mean to get what you want; gossip is normal; fighting is OK all  these kind of bad perceptions.

Annemarie Quill: Kids' TV offers more than illiteracy and obesity 

The author of this article has talked about the positive influences of kids' TV on children. There is no need to panic about children watch TV or even try to get rid of your TV at home, with the right guidance and supervision, children programme can be a good tool for children's development.

MORE SOURCES:

Raunchy pop star bad influence on children

 

Influence of music and music videos 

How TV affect your child - violence

Reality TV influence on children

TV is positive influence on child development

Educational TV