The Predatory Pixel

The Age of Media Manipulated Childhoods

The following is an accurate description of harmful trends in media and advertising on our children. Reader discretion is advised, as some material may be considered disturbing to sensitive readers... Or any parent.

The media is becoming more and more influential on the minds, self-esteem, and overall emotional well being of our children, particularly young girls. While issues surrounding how the media's portrayal of perfection does its part to spread eating disorders all over the world, it goes beyond that. Celebrities, advertisements, television shows, and other role models for young children push the limit on what is age appropriate. The most obvious effect is the deletion of the 'pre-teen' generation of childhood, and the transition period it was for us growing up.. Today, children make a drastic jump from childhood to teenagers, whereas teens emulate adult behavior. Where is their childhood going?

It's not hard to imagine why the role media plays on children's development is intensifying, but exactly how these kids are being affected is what is shocking. The statistics alone are indicative of a growing problem. The American child spends on average, twice as much time watching television in one week than they spend at school in the same five days. Children spend about 13 years in school before graduating as young adults; regardless, studies show that these individuals will have learned more about life - and applied it to their own - from the media, over any other manner, including family, religious organizations, friends, schools, etc.

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Credit: istockphoto

Copyright: istockphoto