Common sense – the funny thing about it is that it really isn’t that common at all. Sadly, I think it’s becoming less and less common as time ticks on.
As most of my regular readers know, I am frustrated, no actually I’m outraged, at the over-sexualisation of our children. I think the media has a lot to answer for (of course) but ultimately so do parents.
I read an article today titled Teen Pregnancies Tied to Tastes for Sexy TV Shows. This article referred to a study conducted on 15-year-old children. I won’t go into all the details, but to recap, it basically said that kids watching shows with sexual content will experiment and the pregnancy stats confirmed their research.
As most of my regular readers know, I am frustrated, no actually I’m outraged, at the over-sexualisation of our children. I think the media has a lot to answer for (of course) but ultimately so do parents.
I read an article today titled Teen Pregnancies Tied to Tastes for Sexy TV Shows. This article referred to a study conducted on 15-year-old children. I won’t go into all the details, but to recap, it basically said that kids watching shows with sexual content will experiment and the pregnancy stats confirmed their research.
The report also said that only 19% of teens have open conversations about sex with a trusted adult. This, coupled with many schools not offering sex education, only means that the media is left to serve as a sex educator. Television shows like Sex in the City, Friends and That 70’s Show have become the voice of reason and understanding.
With no-one to talk to, and television, internet and video games providing guidance instead, teens and in some cases children develop their belief systems based on ill information. The study I refer to states that the end result is obvious. The television, internet and video games indicate that everything is seemingly ‘cool’ and they fail to discuss the downside such as STDs or teen pregnancies. Early sexualisation begins. Children enter a world of which they have no true understanding. I’ve always subscribed to the ‘prevention and education rather than cure’ thinking. What about you?
Back to common sense. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that our teens and children will try and experiment with what they see, and that experimentation coupled with lack of or limited knowledge is never a good combination. We were all young once and some things haven’t changed, especially when it comes to curiosity and pushing boundaries. However, the boundary line is further away than ever.
With no-one to talk to, and television, internet and video games providing guidance instead, teens and in some cases children develop their belief systems based on ill information. The study I refer to states that the end result is obvious. The television, internet and video games indicate that everything is seemingly ‘cool’ and they fail to discuss the downside such as STDs or teen pregnancies. Early sexualisation begins. Children enter a world of which they have no true understanding. I’ve always subscribed to the ‘prevention and education rather than cure’ thinking. What about you?
Back to common sense. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that our teens and children will try and experiment with what they see, and that experimentation coupled with lack of or limited knowledge is never a good combination. We were all young once and some things haven’t changed, especially when it comes to curiosity and pushing boundaries. However, the boundary line is further away than ever.
I encourage you to allow common sense to find its way back into your life. Be very aware of what your teens and children are watching, listening to and who their friends are. Spend time in conversation with your teenager, your tween or your grandchildren and it won’t be long before you learn that innocence sadly, in some cases, has been stolen or lost due to early exposure to certain life experiences. Age appropriateness is something we all need to understand.
Friends, discover common sense and put it into practice. Monitor what your kids are watching, doing online and on their cell phones (if they have one) or what video games they are playing. Stay one step ahead and let common sense find its place in your home.
Friends, discover common sense and put it into practice. Monitor what your kids are watching, doing online and on their cell phones (if they have one) or what video games they are playing. Stay one step ahead and let common sense find its place in your home.
Susan
3 comments:
I like and I agree.
Absolutely...
I think the scary thing is that if we dont' talk to our kids, because we think they're ok or if we're too awkward or whatever, their default sources of information and 'wisdom' come from media and the playground....too important to hope for the best!!
Jane
Agree with you Jane. I didn't even touch on the 'playgroud' information that gets shared. Scary. We need open lines of GOOD communication allowing our children access to us, our wisdom and common sense.
Susan
Post a Comment