Television and Movies

Movies and Television are one of the biggest sources of entertainment for children, if not the biggest. A huge concern for parents and adults is the types of stimulus children and youth are getting from this source of media. In the past, it was normal for children's movies to be innocent, benign, and most of all rated appropriately for a particular age group. Somehow, things in the 21st century have changed a bit. Television and movies are now exposing children and youth to concepts that were previously inappropriate for their age. The sexualization of many cartoon characters, plus the over-exaggerated depiction of violence can greatly influence the way children and youth view themselves and the world around them. What needs to be taken into account is when a child or teen watches a program,  parental-involvement or parent-child interaction should also be incorporated after. Parents should be very much in tune with what their children's interests are, and what sort of entertainment they are engaging in; and talking with them about it! It is by understanding the motivation and interest of the child that one can effectively influence them to maintain a healthy relationship with TV & movies. 

Studies show that when it comes to TV and Movies, CONTENT MATTERS! parents can greatly influence the amount and types of media their child consumes. Parents, educators, and everyone in general should realize that watching television is not a "passive" activity (Courage & Howe, 2010). In fact, children and infants learn how to sustain their attention, and regulate their attention while watching programs. Concerns that TV is just an "idiot box" can be reduced by monitoring and choosing WHAT your children watch, and for HOW long. 

Many times, common beliefs about TV and movies are that it's just fantasy, or entertainment, but what is critical to remember is that children AND adolescents are still developing their world-views. Approaching your children and positively inquiring about what their thoughts, feelings, and ideas are can also encourage a broader range for development. Discussing the messages or values that are communicated through television and movies with children and adolescents also help them gain perspectives that may be different from their own.