Many wonder how media affects kids. The question is being studied; researchers are learning more all the time. Some of what is being learned is reinforcing what parenting advocates have been advising for a long time. Other nuances of the results are worth paying attention to. It's good for parents to hear what the latest research shows. That is why I'm pleased to introduce you to a researcher from The Ohio State University,Eric Rasmussen. He's started a new blog, Parents, Media, and Children. At his blog you will find all sorts of tidbits about how the media impacts kids so go there regularly to read some of the latest findings. Here are some sneak previews:
- Music lyrics diminish self-worth in teens and lessen their sense of attractiveness. This is a HUGE issue for the readers of Fabulous to Be Female because body image is a HUGE issue for girls! What to do? Try to lessen the importance of the music - go to Eric's blog for a few more details.
- "Children whose parents talk to them about television and television content see a greater disparity between the reality as presented on TV and true reality." Translation: talk to your kids about what you are seeing on TV and point out the parts that are unrealistic. It works.
- Viewing violence affects kids. How parents frame the violence seems to make a difference - placing value statements on what you are seeing and what you think of the behavior seems to have the heaviest impact. Go to the blog to read more.
- Pornographers are targeting young children; we parents must be more vigilant than ever to protect our kids from the horrors of internet porn.
Tagged in: talking about sex with kids
