The Media's Affect on Teenagers 5 (Artifact 8)

On http://www.aap.org/family/mediaimpact.htm I found information on the connection of teens and media influences and on the prevention of being influenced by the media. When talking about teenagers and smoking the author points out, "It is not by chance that the three most advertised cigarette brands are also the most popular ones smoked by teens."

The media also affects teenage girls and their body image. The author mentions, "Studies show that girls of all ages worry about their weight. Many of them are starting to diet at early ages. Media can promote an unrealistic image of how people look. " When you continue reading the author tells about how a skinny and "perfect-looking" person, is often created by computer graphic techniques.

When discussing the media's influence on violence, the author tells about how television violence can make kids and teens more accepting of real world violence. "Violence in the 'media world' may make children more accepting of real-world violence and less caring toward others. Children who see a lot of violence from movies, TV shows, or video games may become more fearful and look at the real world as a mean and scary place."

The author also discusses how to prevent kids and teens from becoming too affected by the media. The author wrote about setting limits for children when they are young. "Parents need to set limits and be actively involved with the TV shows, computer games, magazines, and other media that children use."


Bibliography:

"Understanding the Impact ofMedia on Children and Teens." American Academy Of Pediatrics. 11 Jan. 2007. <http://www.aap.org/family/mediaimpact.htm>