I think most people would agree that it is important for parents to set a good example before their kids with careful and commendable words and actions. But do we expect the same thing from the words or actions that children see on television?
Parents must understand the influence that access to television might be having on their kids. Repeated access to certain behaviors or attitudes on television may be shaping your kids minds more than you realize.
Access to Television
People like me who work with teenagers and kids need to have a basic understanding of what is happening in pop culture. This is the only reason that I keep my access to television at all. I keep my satellite package simple, and purposely don’t include “extra” channels that so often rely on mindless pornographic storytelling like HBO or Showtime.
Even shows on the basic networks are often overly sexual and violent. For many like me, staying informed is important for ministry opportunities. If there is no spiritual advantage to having many of these channels in our homes, it is better not to.
Even channels that are designed for children are not completely safe for kids, and can subtly influence the thoughts or attitudes of children. Many people may say I’m wrong or being too extreme, but just because an idea is popular, it doesn’t mean it is right.
In my ministry with teenagers, I see the way that kids are subtly indoctrinated by seemingly “harmless” television. If parents want better attitudes or actions from their kids, maybe it’s time to check the attitudes or actions they allow their kids to see on the television everyday.
Better futures for our children depends on us as parents being good stewards of the sights and sounds we allow into our homes.
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