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Media influences do play a part in shaping teenage behaviour. When your child is aware of media influence, she’ll be able to handle media pressure better. It’s normal to be worried about the influence of media on your child.
Media influence on teenagers can be deliberate – for example, advertising is often directed at children and teenagers. This means that children and teenagers are increasingly conscious of brands and images. You’re not alone if your child has pestered you to buy the next ‘in’ thing!
Media influence can also be more indirect. An example of this might be the increasing of media products that often show ‘sexy’ women with unrealistic body types. Other kinds of media feature violent imagery and coarse language – for example, video games and song lyrics. These indirect media influences can make a suggestion for teenagers that these are ‘normal’ ways to look and behave.
But being exposed to media influence, images and messages doesn’t automatically mean your child is at risk. Teenagers don’t just take on board everything the media – or anybody else – tells them. They can be savvy consumers of media messages.
The media isn’t the only source of information for teenagers. Teenagers are also influenced by their families, peers, community mentors and other role models. You have a big role to play in helping your child develop media literacy and make good choices about media use.
There are some links between media content and negative teenage behavior. Seeing violent media content often enough can make it more likely that someone will behave in an aggressive or violent way, be less understanding of other people’s needs and feelings, or feel more afraid of their environment.
Media can also influence other unhealthy or risky behaviour, including smoking, drinking alcohol and taking other drugs. But it’s worth remembering that media is just one of several influences on this kind of behaviour. Other more powerful influences include family and friends. Here’s the good news: the media can be a positive influence for teenagers.
For example, teenagers who are exposed to and take an interest in the news are more likely to be interested in major social and political issues. This can help educate them and encourage them to become more involved as citizens in their communities.
Teenagers can also pick up important health promotion messages from the media – for example, messages aimed at preventing youth depression and suicide, encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits, and promoting positive, respectful relationships.
Media influence can be powerful if a celebrity role model says a particular lifestyle, product or behaviour is good. There are lots of examples of celebrities whose lifestyles, values and behaviour provide positive examples. The hardwork and success of these role models can be inspirational.
What is the example of deliberate influence of media on children and teenagers in the text?
А) Video game is an example of deliberate influence of media on children and teenagers.
Б) Song lyrics is an example of deliberate influence of media on children and teenagers.
В) Commercial is an example of deliberate influence of media on children and teenagers.
Г) YouTube videos on mobile phone is an example of deliberate influence of media on children and teenagers.
