Since children are young, parents without realizing it and following their instincts try to choose who they want their children to spend time with and who their friends could be. Once children grow up and reach adolescence, parents lose that power over their children and it is they who decide ... Although following an apprenticeship that has served as a guide for their parents since they were little.
The same thing happens with parents when it comes to trying to choose their children's companies, the same happens with the television models that appear in the media day after day. Children are exposed to the media almost from birth, so the role models of these famous people can play a very important role in the lives of children. Parents can think of famous people or pictures that are of interest to their children.
More time in front of the media
Today, children spend more time in front of screens than their parents and that is why parents want to choose positive role models so that their children have a good psychosocial development. Children when they are in elementary school begin to look to their peers for a social meaning and who to be accepted by others. Parents can still be the main influence in their children's lives, but the competition starts to get fierce at this age.
This separation is totally age appropriate. But when the media comes into play, the values you want to convey to your children may be competing with, for example, Homer Simpson. Or people like Logan Paul, whose YouTube channel has millions of followers and has a great influence on boys and girls ... without being exactly a good role model.
Social media characters are just as likely to be role models as any other traditional role model. Currently they are known as “influencers” and they reach children through television, YouTube, video games, music or social networks… and are exposed for 24 hours a day. But as you may already know, not all of these "models" have exemplary behavior and parents do not agree very much that their children imitate the behaviors they exhibit on screens.
Not everything is bad
The good news is that there are also positive role models who can influence your children to make healthy choices, learn to respect others, achieve their goals, and avoid antisocial behaviors. Negative role models, especially those who do not suffer consequences for their actions, they can encourage antisocial behavior, stereotypes, and even cruelty. Guide your children to choose positive media role models who embody the values you want to convey to them in your daily parenting.
Tips for Parents with Young Children
If you have young children, you need to follow these tips to prevent some media models from negatively affecting your children's development:
- Limit screen time. Children grow and thrive best through personal interaction. Spending time with them, playing games, and reading are great ways to build a foundation for imparting their values.
- Find age-appropriate content. Children 2 to 7 years of age should be exposed to media with good values, racial and gender diversity, and without stereotypes.
- Encourage positive socialization. Look for role models who teach positive social lessons, like sharing and being a good friend.
- Respect the differences. Encourage children of this age to accept and respect people who are different by exposing them to media that includes people of diverse backgrounds.
Tips for parents of elementary school children
For elementary-aged children, the tips you can follow are the following:
- Avoid stereotypes. Point out strong female characters or male characters who share your values. Try not to reinforce stereotypes in your media selection (i.e. princess movies for girls and truck videos for boys), as this can reinforce social imbalances.
- Reinforce your values. Point out words and behavior on popular TV shows, websites, and music that are positive and negative examples of what you consider to be good and what is not.
- Beware of antisocial behavior. Children like to imitate and pretend to be their favorite characters. When the characters say bad things or behave cruelly, you will have to discuss the consequences with your children.
- Look at the good things. Kids will be inspired by great historical figures, athletes, or TV stars if you empower them. Take advantage of that adoration by pointing out good traits, as in “Pope John Paul II was honest. Honesty is an important quality. No: «Lying is bad. Children who lie get into trouble. "
Tips for Parents of Older Children
For high school boys and girls, these tips are good to keep in mind:
- Accept what they like. If you reject the things that your child likes, you will only be closing the communication. Accept their world but set clear limits on what you find acceptable and appropriate.
- Helps teens balance their need for rebellion and self-expression with an appreciation of acceptable social action. Children need to understand how to communicate and use media wisely and ethically. If they engage with media that include antisocial behavior, you will need to make sure they understand the impact and possible consequences.
- Let older children see things that you disagree with. But then discuss exactly what you don't like with them. Since we won't always be around, we need to make sure to instill critical thinking skills in children.
If despite all this you realize that your children are having bad behavior and you think it is because of the media to which they are exposed, disconnect the source immediately and have a conversation with your child about it.