Media Saturation and Its Impact on Teens (cont.)
Our Response
So how do we respond to media saturation? Parents should take advice from experts. The American Academy of Pediatrics report Sexuality, Contraception, and the Media shared shocking facts about media saturation and its impact on teens. Here’s a glimpse:
- More than 75% of prime-time programs contain sexual content.
- Only 14% of these incidents mention any risks or responsibilities of sexual activity.
- On TV, talk about sex can occur as often as 8-10 times per hour.
- Between 1997 and 2001, the amount of sexual content on TV nearly doubled.
- Listening to sexually degrading lyrics is associated with earlier sexual intercourse.
- Seven of nine longitudinal studies showed that exposure to sexual content in media in early adolescence can as much as double the risk of early intercourse.
- Early exposure to sexual content doubled the risk of teen pregnancy.
- TVs in teen bedrooms are associated with greater substance use and sexual activity.
Research is clear: Parents must actively talk with their kids about media content. Plus, they need to set realistic media guidelines. The AAP report offers great advice to parents, including limiting screen time, prohibiting media in bedrooms, and “co-viewing” with kids. (Jonathan discusses more practical strategies in Candid Confessions of an Imperfect Parent.)
The Role of Parents
Where do you draw the line? Do you know what’s on your kids’ playlists and devices? On the proactive side: Have you tried to “co-view” media with your kids? Do you use media as conversation starters?
Parents: Watch films with your teens. Then ask questions at the end. Also use current songs to talk with your kids about important issues. Youth workers can do the same.
Become familiar with the media your kids use daily. Talk with them about the content they’re absorbing, and don’t be afraid to set guidelines. Saying no, while not always popular, is healthy.
Too often, parents are on the brink of throwing in the towel. Don’t do that! Lots of tools are available to help you help teens make wholesome media choices.
We can’t give up! After all, the only thing beyond media saturation is media drowning.
