Media: Does it really care for our Children?
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?
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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How to Teach your Teenage Boys to respect Women
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I agree that we parents should really play an active part on this. It is always easy to point fingers on the media, government, and everywhere else…
but if we really set a solid foundation of values on our children, I believe we would have less to worry. Of course, constant reminders will always help.
When we see something that is not child-friendly on TV, I give a comment and my kids agree. Sometimes we discussed about it.
Media now a days has become the main source of information especially television. So every child is vulnerable to bad material when it comes to viewing unnecessary pictures on tv. So Parental advised is really needed.
I second the motion, kuya Angel! Nothing beats the odds better than by being a proactive parent, every step of the way. We do our share and speak out. And at the end of the day if concerned people don’t shape up then you are at peace that you did your share in raising up your kids esp. during the formative years, even explain things with them in bits and pieces when confronted head on with issues.
It can really be ultra frustrating how media has gotten so lax even having those sexually charged soap during kids waking hours.
i worked for many many years in the broadcast media, though on the investment side, but am still way familiar with the broadcasting business. when i was connected with them, it’s all about broadcast cash flow, advertising revenues, listenership and ratings. the higher the ratings the higher the advertising rates. what does that mean? sometimes, the quality of the show is disregarded in favor of the more controversial topics that generates a lot of listenership such that advertisers would have a broad reach for their causes and products. such is reality. it boils down to $$$. so the more parents has to come to the rescue of the kids. government and NGO’s has been ramping up moves to disengage some controversial newscasters, even putting some monitor boxes on what kids can listen or watch on TV, yet all these are just destined to fail. it’s the power of parenting that will do the job.
malaki talagang influence ang media now.. tignan mo pag may nausong sayaw lahat ng mga bata alam na alam yun at sinasayaw pag nadinig ang tugtog hehe ganon kasi anakiz ko e pati mga lyrics sa kanta magugulat ka na lange sinasabayan na.. kaya sa dami ng mga pantasya na palabas now e baka mabuhay na lang tayong lahat sa pantasya ahehehe.. kaya mas opt ko mag computer na lang xa kesa sa TV e atlis dito di pa nya alam yung mga sites sa di kanais nais unlike sa tv pag may breaking news lang e may violence agad..
Roy – You hit it right, building a solid foundation is strong shield for our chidlren.
Johnlazy – This is what has been missing lately, as I remember before that there is a big warning to parents before the start of the TV program.
Jennie – I like your add PROACTIVE (Prevention is better than cure)
Reynz – Very true. It is main obligation of the parents to be watchdogs but still I believe that all of us should be concern with the things children see. Thanks for sharing your ideas here, as always.
JoanJoyce – This is why I am now very choosy in what my children watch. Dati sa pelikula lang ipinapakita kasi kahit telepantasya palabas, di na rin pambata ang dating e.
a girl younger than 10 committed suicide last year. and it was all over the news. i really felt bad because although the news said “parental guidance needed” yet it’s very hard to explain to the kids. But I knew that I cant always put the blame on the media. we parents should be the first people responsible with this. I felt bad for some parents who use TV as a “yaya” for their children.