Day 63 Media

63. Media:

The media has a huge role to play in teen life these days. Something happening in one part of the world can be shared across the world in seconds. This can be very useful when passing on important messages but can be devastating if the news is malicious or unfair.

In the past, news took much longer to spread. Teenagers have grown up with the constant availability of The Internet. It has its good and bad points. Social media is exciting and can enhance your teens life. On the other hand it can be a source of misery for some.

Magazines offer glossy photographs of beautiful, slim models and popular airbrushed celebrities. As teens grow and end up with spots and greasy hair they can start comparing themselves negatively to these celebrities. Even looking at the their friends looking happy and well dressed on Social Media can add to their feelings of inadequacy.

What your teen may forget is people usually choose their best photo's to post on Social Media. Celebrities insist on photo's of them looking their best and so media can give your teen the false impression that everyone is more beautiful than they are!

The information we receive in the media is not always well presented and balanced.

Talk about this with your teen. Teach them that there are reliable and unreliable sources of information available on the Internet.

How do you know what you are reading is true?

Who is being quoted? How do you know this information is reliable?

It is good to think about answers to these questions yourself before discussing this with your teen.

When we study for exams we are asked to make quotes from reliable sources. We learn that there are facts and there are opinions. The accuracy of opinions can vary. Statistics can be manipulated to make something look good in order to prove someone's point.

Always question what you read and encourage your teen to do likewise.

Point out that some magazines and newspapers are politically biased and so are likely to be presenting information to prove a particular political point.

If you can encourage your teen to question what they see and hear you will be teaching them an important life skill that will help them greatly throughout their lives.