Media is a great source of getting information, current events and even a useful tool for advertising as well as entertainment. There is no doubt that it is also a good business too. And without the courageous journalists, we will not be updated about the crooked politicians, natural disasters and even war. These are some of the reasons why we should thank them.

But when does media becomes unhelpful, especially to our young children? As a father of a 2 grade school students, I am starting to see the bad effects of media to them. I am pretty sure most parents will agree with me here.

Print media

Newspapers and magazines are reading materials that can be easily seen while our children are traveling to school. Unfortunately, porn and adult materials are scattered everywhere just like candies and some people do not even care. Huge billboards that advertise different products are attracting our kids while we are bringing them to parks and malls. Now, you tell me. Is it alright that your child sees a billboard on a major street promoting a men’s magazine?

Photo credit to Miss-Manson

Video media

Who does not watch TV, movies and did I mention You-tube? Advertising people are smart enough to come up with unique keywords and scenes that would remind consumers about their product, and I really admire them for that. However, who regulates them and what criteria do they use? I may sound like an old-fashion father trying to be nice, but I do not believe good traits go out of style. Are you allowing your kids to watch a couple on a TV show torridly kissing each other?

Audio media

Who does not love music, be it slow or fast? I love rock metal and some hip-hop beat too. No, I am NOT against rappers here. I am even proud that Black-Eyed Peas vocalist is a fellow Filipino. I am also a big fan of some heavy metal bands like Scorpions and other head-banging groups. Sometimes, I also need the noise to keep me awake. But watch out for the lyrics, my friend. Do these musicians care for children, or for themselves only and their stupid freedom? Are we choosing the kind of music our children listen to?

My conclusion

This problem is not for the government, artists and producers alone. This is a problem of all parents and anybody who cares about children. Therefore, the solution lies in our hands. Instead of pointing fingers to one another, why not go hand-in-hand to solve it? Censorship is a broad topic as we may look at it from different angles. But do we really need a never-ending debate to settle this?

The principle is simple. If there is something that is not for the kids, then do not give it to them. We are the adult ones, and I assume that all of us are mature enough. If you do not know what is bad for a child, then you do not deserve to be called an adult.

The future of the world depends on what the children learns today.

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