Television and Child Development- Shelley SB

This is an interesting way of looking at the role of tv on child development- particularly the early years.

TV is Good? Shelley SB

I knew I was right when I told my mum TV was good for me! Raising Children's Network provides parents and early childhood educators information about television in early childhood. Shelley

Another view of television- a new 'reality'. This is an interesting view in terms of Sociocultural Theory. The 'new environment' for socialization is in many children's world inclusive of television. David Dutwin discusses 'experience' and therefore knowledge through a simple analogy referencing CSI. We take what we see on television to be 'real' or at least a reference point for knowledge. He discusses 'mean world syndrome' in that if we were to believe all that we saw on TV the world appears to be a very nasty place.

Taming the Beast!

In the short snippet above Dutwin raises an interesting point that much of our ‘knowledge’ is built on experiences with what we see on the screen- rather than through physical participation. By presenting a simple analogy referencing CSI, Dutwin challenges us to consider the impact of television on knowledge construction and perception.

In terms of Socio-cultural Theory the very presence of television in children’s daily lives needs to be considered as a serious factor in socialization and identity formation. Socio-cultural perspectives recognize that children develop through their experiences and interactions with others and their environment (Valenzuela, 2002). Because research suggests that children aged 8-18 years spent on average 4 hours and 29 minutes per day watching television in some form or another (AMCA, 2010), we need to rethink what and who are the most influential players in children’s lives. What can television do for us?

Through television we are able to ‘participate’ much more broadly with the world. We are exposed to a more diverse populace, have greater access to information, news and opinion, and we have greater access to ‘role’ models positive or otherwise. Rather than fight the giant beast that is television is it possible that we could tame it?

As a parent and an educator I support the view that rather than labelling television as a negative influence we should view television in light of the opportunities it opens to engage in dialogue between what we see on the screen and that, which exists, in everyday life. In terms of socio-cultural theory and social development the rights and wrongs presented on television are great models for teaching and learning.

In early childhood this moral theory has been embraced as shows like Thomas the Tank Engine and Bananas in Pyjamas are loaded with moral undertones. With a little flexible thinking and creative teaching perhaps even shows like Home and Away and Jersey Shore could offer such social and emotional lessons for our secondary students (Jersey Shore- Yes I did say creative teaching- perhaps a way of looking at what NOT to do in life!).

Who are these people? Shelley SB

In the quest to understand the 'ominous threat of television' that many parenting groups would have me believe lingers over our children, I had to first find out what TV really means to young people. This first essay offered a glimpse into just how influential (not negative) TV is in the lives of Gen Y. As a Gen Y Gen X fringe dweller I am interested to see what all the fuss is about... SB

Here is an interesting statistical portrayal of media use in families from The Australian Communications and Media Authority. Conducted in 2007 (fours years may seem like a life time in terms of technological development and media use), the findings offer an interesting insight into the role of the media in the lives of young people.

Interesting take on TV and Teens- from a marketing perspective "The Merchants of Cool" WATCH ONLINE

Identity Crisis (SB)