Battling the Media’s Influence

“Parents can help counter the negative influence of the media by communicating and discussing issues with children. They should encourage children to voice out their opinion.” Many pre-teen or early teens stumble on their parent’s x-rated movies or magazines, pornographic materials. This creates sexual eagerness for minors, driving them to act out what they’ve seen in the content. Daily pornography is creeping closer to youngsters thanks to the internet—the leading source of pornography as it’s easily accessible, affordable and anonymous. The media through television, movies, music videos and magazines cannot be excluded. To counter the negative influences of media on today’s youth, parents must be involved in all aspects of their children’s lives and must communicate with their children often and discuss public issues with them in an honest family setting. Pastor Phillip Matsiko of the Holly Devine Church at Kimichanga said he believes parents are the leaders when it comes to protecting their children against pornography. “Parents must train their children not only with words but with their very own actions and examples. If they have to let them enlist the help of the church in order to brace the youth against the blitz of negative influences in the media,” said Matsiko. Dr. James Mugunga of King Faisal Hospital says teens who openly communicate with their parents are less likely to be victims of pornography. “Parents can help counter the negative influence of the media by communicating and discussing issues with children. They should encourage children to voice out their opinion,” said Dr. Mugunga. Although the Media has massive influence on children, parents still hold the steering wheel to guide and protect their children. martin.bishop18@yahoo.com