Media, News and Children (extra post)

Over the past year, I have done a little research on children and the media. This has been for my violent crime class and my Media Law and Literacy class. There have been some studies done showing that media influence is fine on children and some saying to limit a child's time surrounded by media, but what is the influence of the news on a child? I’ve asked myself this question a few times and have decided to do some research on it and share my findings here!

Most children have been exposed to some sort of news throughout their lives. There's usually news playing in the background of the TV or on the radio in the car. Children who see or even hear about crime, natural disasters, and catastrophic events may cause them fear, stress, and anxiety. Only in the past few years News stations have been adding parental advisory notices to the contents that they are broadcasting. Studies have been showing that children tend to copycat or imitate what they are hearing or seeing on the news. Persistent exposure to intense news broadcasts can lead to fear in children, desensitization, and increased aggressive behaviors. Most researchers recommend that children under the age of six shouldn't be watching the news. From ages, six to ten children should have some access to the news with someone to explain to them what is going on in the news. After the age of ten children can have access to the news, but still, be there to answer questions. At this older age children are able to make out what is happening in our world and what the news is describing.

Overall, I don't believe it will turn your child into a crazed killer if you let them watch the news. I remember in fifth grade I watched a broadcast on mudslides and ever since I have had a fear of mudslides. Did it ruin my life, no. Your child is fine to watch the news as long as it’s limited and non-violent. I think that it's important to have children up to date on our world's news. I grew up watching my dad on television and it's now an everyday occurrence that I read through the news and I am so thankful for that.

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