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Talking With TV: A Guide to Starting Dialogue With Youth
Channel 4: Learning With TV
Children learn about adult life from a variety
of sources, but often rely on TV for their information
about social expression and values. But does TV really
influence young people's attitudes about sexuality
and violence? Research evidence is beginning to indicate
that it does.
Close-Up: Research Conclusions
Jane Brown, a
media researcher and Advocates board member, studies the media's
effect on adolescent
health and how the media can be used to reduce
unhealthy behaviors. When asked if sexual images promote irresponsible sexual
behavior, she answers with a qualified yes. "…what
we do know about the effects of sexual media content, as well as the larger
body
of media effects, suggest that the media do play an important
part in shaping America's sexual beliefs, attitudes and behavior."
Other media analysts and researchers agree.
- An American Psychological Association study determined
that heavy viewing of TV violence is associated with
increased levels of aggressive and antisocial behavior.
(1993)
- Consistent television viewers are more likely
than infrequent viewers to believe they are at risk
of crime and that crime rates are rising. (Gerbner,1993)
- College students exposed to large amounts of sexual
behavior on television were more likely to believe
that their peers engaged in those same activities.
(Buerkel-Rothfuss, 1993)
- Exposure to sexual violence in the media leads
to greater acceptance of violent sexual acts. (Huston,
1992)
Some of these concerns do deserve public attention and discussion.
But it is important to put these findings into context with the
idea that television can be the great public forum, the educator,
and the entertainer. It is context and communication about
these very issues that shine a bright light on the central criticisms
of TV, while not overlooking the public education powers of this
medium.
Instead, concerned viewers should ask more probing questions. Since young people
turn to TV for sexual information to avoid the embarrassment of talking to
their parents and peers about sexual issues, while parents worry about the
explosion of violence and sexual content on television and its relationship
to drug use, unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases including
HIV/AIDS, pro-active viewing can be the bridge between concerns and education
while improving family relationships.
But now that we know how much television kids watch, what kinds of images they
see and messages they hear and how these affect their behavior, pro-active
viewers will see TV for the wonderful educational tool that it can be. And
more and more often, television programming offers children and adults positive
educational and informational messages along with quality entertainment.
Wide-Angle: TV and Public Service
From the beginning,
public service has been a part of the air waves. Government regulations
require
and encourage commercial and pay networks to
donate free time to air issues of public concern. From anti-smoking and drug
abuse prevention campaigns to literacy programs and safety, TV does an excellent
job of getting the message out for the public good.
More subtle campaigns have been initiated by the networks themselves. How
long have TV characters been buckling their seat belts up when they get into
cars?
Do heroes or heroines ever smoke? Has everyone memorized their Miranda rights?
With the right combination of entertainment and education, TV can
promote responsible sex and conflict negotiation too.
- Entertainment-education can promote knowledge,
change attitudes and foster healthier behaviors,
but it may not always be the most appropriate approach.
To change behaviors, specifically, TV messages
need to be reinforced. For parents, it's important
to talk about what is viewed on television and help
your children learn which TV messages agree with
the family's values and which ones do not. By focusing
on the positive messages, parents can reinforce specific
beliefs and behaviors with their children.
- The audience can drive programming.
To develop a positive message or a program strategy, programmers must explore
the audiences' needs, concerns, interests, and preferences and viewers
need to share their opinions. All of these characteristics are important
when planning home viewing tool To start conversations with young people,
review the programs and be sure that your selections are appropriate and entertaining
for young people.
- Celebrities can be positive role models.
A celebrity who is attractive and a credible
source of information will be a good spokesperson.
Parents can learn a lot about their children's insights
on the world by paying attention to who their favorite
stars and heroes are. You can guide their selection
by picking stars that you respect and mentioning
their good qualities. Don't forget that taste will
differ! Young people need to pick their own role
models, too!
- For entertainment-education to be most
successful, it must be used over time.
Audiences must be sufficiently exposed
to the proposed behaviors and their benefits to develop
positive attitudes toward the change. It also takes
time to build characters who can represent pro-social
values and ideas, as well as to build the audience's
identification with those characters. Time and patience
are important for parents too - one night of critical
viewing won't solve all your communication needs.
You may want to pick a show or two for each evening
of viewing and make that a time to talk with
TV.
Source/Citation:
Advocates for Youth. Talking With TV: A Guide
to Starting Dialogue With Youth. Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 1996.
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