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.