Updated on July 5, 2024
The impact of media on adolescents cannot be ignored in today’s world where media has become an omnipresent force, with new forms of media emerging every day. While media can have positive effects on adolescent development, such as promoting creativity and critical thinking, it can also have negative impacts, such as promoting violence, substance abuse, and declining academic performance. As such, it is essential for parents and educators to be aware of the potential risks and responsibilities that come with media exposure, in order to support adolescents in navigating this complex landscape. In this article, we will explore the impact of media on adolescents and examine ways in which parents and schools can help young people develop healthy media habits and avoid the potential negative impacts of media exposure.
The Impact Of Media On Adolescents
In today’s digital age, media plays a pervasive role in the lives of adolescents. With access to an endless stream of information, entertainment, and social interaction, young people are exposed to a range of media content that can shape their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours.
Media has become an integral part of our lives, and adolescents are no exception. With the advent of smartphones and the internet, young people today are exposed to a vast amount of media content every day. While media can be a great source of information and entertainment, it also has a significant impact on adolescent development.
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The impact of media on adolescents can be both negative and positive. While some media content can have a positive influence on the psychosocial development of adolescents, there is growing concern about the potential negative effects of media content exposure on this age group. Smartphone addiction in children is a major problem today. Many parents do not realise the fact that smartphone addiction is more dangerous than other addictions.
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Negative Impact Of Media On Adolescents
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to negative media content as they are at a stage in their development when they are exploring their identities and trying new things. The availability of sexually explicit content, violence, and drug-related information across various media channels such as the internet, video games, music, radio, television, movies, and films can have a detrimental impact on their behaviours, beliefs, and attitudes toward sex and substance abuse.
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It is therefore essential for both teachers and parents to be aware of the potential negative effects of media content on adolescents and take steps to address these issues. This can involve setting guidelines for media use, monitoring the content that adolescents are exposed to, and engaging in open and honest discussions about media content and its potential impact.
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While the impact of media on adolescents can be concerning, it is important to note that not all media content has negative effects on this age group. There are also positive influences that can be found in media, such as educational programming and positive role models. By promoting positive media content and helping adolescents navigate the negative aspects of media exposure, we can ensure that they develop into healthy and well-adjusted adults.
Body Image Issues
One of the most significant impacts of media on adolescents is the development of body image issues. The media often portrays unrealistic beauty standards, which can lead to adolescents feeling dissatisfied with their own appearance. This can lead to low self-esteem, teenage depression, and eating disorders. Parents can help by encouraging their children to have a healthy body image and emphasizing that everyone’s body is different.
Violence And Aggression
Violence and aggression are also prevalent in media content, such as movies, video games, and music. Studies have shown that exposure to violent media can lead to an increase in aggressive behaviour and desensitization to violence. Parents can help by monitoring the media content their children are exposed to and limiting their exposure to violent media.
Sexualization And Objectification
Sexualization and objectification of women are common themes in media content, which can lead to adolescents developing unhealthy attitudes towards sex and relationships. Parents can help by educating their children about healthy relationships and consent and monitoring the media content their children are exposed to.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a growing concern for adolescents, as social media platforms have made it easier for bullies to target their victims. Cyberbullying can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide. Parents can help by monitoring their children’s social media activity and educating them on how to respond to cyberbullying.
Media Addiction
Lastly, social media addiction is a growing concern for adolescents. Excessive screen time can lead to a lack of physical activity, poor sleep, and decreased academic performance. Parents can help by setting limits on screen time and encouraging their children to participate in other activities such as sports and hobbies. Teenage addiction is a growing problem.
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Adolescence – The Stage Of Development
During adolescence, young people are in a stage of development where they are focused on testing and experimenting with their cognitive abilities. Peer Pressure On Teenagers is also a major problem. However, exposure to violent video games has been found to have a detrimental impact on the mental development of adolescents. In addition, media content promoting cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption can increase the likelihood of these behaviours among adolescents. These negative effects of media on adolescents can lead to a decline in academic performance, among other consequences.
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Role Of Parents And Schools On The Impact Of Media On Adolescents
Both schools and parents have an important role to play in addressing the potential negative effects of media exposure on adolescents. Teachers can raise awareness of the impact that exposure to media content can have on adolescents’ social attitudes, behaviours, lifestyles, school performance, and beliefs. Teenage counselling is a good option if needed. Meanwhile, parents can exercise control over the television programs, movies, and video games that their children are exposed to, which can help to reduce the impact of negative media exposure.
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Because of teens’ impulsive natures, experts suggest that teens who post content on social media are at risk of sharing intimate photos or highly personal stories. This can result in teens being bullied, harassed, or even blackmailed. Teens often create posts without considering these consequences or privacy concerns. Source: Mayoclinic
Conclusion
In conclusion, media exposure can have both positive and negative effects on adolescents. However, the potential negative impacts such as increased violence, substance abuse, and declining academic performance require attention from both schools and parents. It is crucial for adults to be aware of the potential negative effects of media content and take steps to address these issues, such as setting guidelines for media use and engaging in open and honest discussions about media content. By promoting healthy media habits and addressing negative influences, we can help adolescents to develop into well-adjusted adults with positive social attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of adults to guide and support adolescents in navigating the complex and ever-evolving world of media.
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PVM
Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips. He is a Blogger, Content Writer, Influencer, and YouTuber. He is passionate about learning new skills. He is the Director of PokketCFO.
He lives with the notion of “SIMPLE LIVING, CREATIVE THINKING”. He Believes – “Sharing is caring.” and “Learning never ends.”
