Parents Should Raise Teenagers Without That Much Influence From The Media
Most of our grandparents grew up in a time where reading books and listening to the radio were the only activities that could be done at home. When companies were able to product television sets in mass quantities at low costs, things changed. Parents and the children themselves spend more than 4 hours a day glued to the tube watching a variety of programs.
Is it harmful to watch television? Some people will say yes while others do not think so. This many sometimes depend on the quality of the program because those that spread good values are important while those that geared towards sex and violence are not.
Cartoons were once through as safe for children but when some follow what is seen on television like jumping from a two storey and hitting the ground without any injury is not possible, parents have to do control screen what shows can be seen and those that are not suitable.
The same goes for websites being seen in the computer. Parents can use some tools online that will prevent teenagers from seeing such pornographic material. Sex education and anything else related to it must be discussed at the right time or by those explaining this in school.
But there is another danger coming from the media and this comes from fashion magazines. Most of the models in the covers are young attractive women who have thin bodies.
Studies have shown that kids who read such material have the tendency to follow these individuals since they are perceived as role models and end up having an eating disorder. Those who are too fat are ridiculed by fellow classmates and some who feel overweight will become anorexic.
Although this problem affects teenage girls more than guys, no one can deny the fact that it lowers one's self esteem so here are some ways for parents to change it.
1. The parents should look at the brighter things such as the previous achievements done by the teenager. It doesn’t matter if this was in studies or in a certain sport. The person made it happen and that is something that should never be forgotten.
2. Believe it or not, the images of models on television, magazines and in the web are an escape from reality. These people had cosmetic surgery, a boob job and were subject to a certain diet. Parents should make the teens appreciate what is there and keep it real. Those who are a bit overweight can try losing a few pounds through exercise but even this can be difficult if everyone in the family is big.
3. If obesity is a problem in the family, parents should set an example by living a healthier lifestyle. This means eating only the essentials and avoiding junk food that does not provide energy or nutrients to the body.
There are books and movies that describe someone who tried to play Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and in the end realized that the best thing to do was simply to be oneself in the presence of other people.
Teenagers don’t have to try something similar because parents are there to explain the realities of life. Media is simply a form of entertainment that provides an escape from reality just like how we feel when we are sleeping and living a dream.