Our children are growing up in a digital world far different from when we, as parents, were growing up. The use of media has skyrocketed. Whether it is the television, Internet or video games, there is always competition for our kid’s attention. Entertainment is literally at our kids’ fingertips, making books and studying seem trivial and unappealing.

This digital world presents many benefits, and if used in moderation, can be very useful in the quest for academic success, but media and digital devices also present new challenges for parents. It can teach negative values, distract from meaningful activities and consume time. Media influences the psychosocial development of our kids and studies show that excessive media use can lead to attention problems and poor performance at school. Helping our kids to learn healthy habits when using technology to avoid self-harm as well as harm to others must therefore be a priority.

Television

Television can be a valuable and powerful teacher, but it could potentially also influence negatively. Many of us grew up watching

Sesame Street, for example, which taught many prized lessons and helped in improving reading and learning skills. Nowadays, while there are many similar programmes, there is easier access to inappropriate ones. Therefore, our jobs as parents is more difficult.

The number of violent and sexually explicit shows are on the rise. There are even shows on so-called “family” channels that I personally find age inappropriate for the rating given. It can be quite shocking. Television also glamorises the use of alcohol and smoking and may influence our teens to experiment. In addition, it can reduce time for play and physical activity and may turn our kids into ‘couch potatoes’. Physical fitness is important for effective learning.

Music Videos

Music Videos

These can be accessed from most digital devices and have significant effect on behaviour, especially in teens. Some of them expose teenagers to sexually explicit and violent material, which often portray women in a condescending manner. It is alarming that in many instances popular music lyrics have become X-rated. Parents must be on guard as these lyrics will influence your kids.

Video Games

Video Games

Video games can be useful in teaching kids fine motor skills and coordination. It’s also excellent for recreation and destressing. However, overuse will lead to inactivity and could affect your child’s mental development. Video games also present exposure to violence. Parents should not rely on ratings. Make the judgement yourself. Many kids get hooked on seemingly harmless games and spend hours playing. Parents must set rules and enforce them.

Internet

Internet

Access to the Internet is readily available through smart phones, tablets, gaming devices and computers. We all agree that it is a remarkable invention and can be an amazing resource for kids. They can use it for research, communication, educational activities, gaming, and the list goes on. It puts the world at their fingertips, but in so doing it also brings many hazards.

Parents, guardians, teachers, institutions and government must work together to create a safe online environment for our kids. In fact, I believe the wider populace needs to be better informed of the dangers as well as the safeguards which can be taken. We must protect our kids from pornography, online predators, online bullying, scams and solicitation.

What you can do

What you can do

It will be a difficult task protecting your child from the dangers associated with media, simply because they are not always in your presence. But there are some steps to help reduce the likelihood of exposure to negative influences.

• Become educated about media usage.

• Communicate with your child about the dangers as well as the benefits of media. Explain why rules are necessary and encourage feedback. Talk to them about online threats.

• Do not allow kids under a certain age to be on social networks. When you have granted permission, you must check their online activities.

• Use ratings for television, music videos and games with caution. Assess the content yourself to ensure that it meets your standards in terms of violence, sexuality, language and values.

• Set limits to screen time. This includes all forms of media and monitor what they are viewing.

• Install parental control software on televisions, PCs and tablets.

• Encourage physical activity rather than the sedentary lifestyle associated with media use.

Dr Karla Hylton is a graduate of the biotechnology programme at the University of the West Indies. She operates Bio and Chem tutoring, a Kingston-based teaching programme which specialises in secondary level biology and chemistry. Reach her at (876)564-1347,biochemtutor100@gmail.com, orwww.khylton.com.

Dr Karla Hylton is a graduate of the biotechnology programme at the University of the West Indies. She operates Bio and Chem tutoring, a Kingston-based teaching programme which specialises in secondary level biology and chemistry. Reach her at (876)564-1347,

biochemtutor100@gmail.com

, or

www.khylton.com.