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This summer, there was a whole month devoted to healthy media, so I decided to search around and see what kids could find out there in the media, aside from pornography websites kids might trip upon.
I am a big proponent of the internet and I think kids and teens should use the internet - safely. I am always shocked, however, about what you can find out there. For example, there are multiple and easy-to-find websites devoted to infidelity, one in which you can actually pay to find other individuals who want to cheat on their spouses. Other unhealthy websites include pro-ana and pro-mia websites that promote, support and provide tips to readers on disordered eating and unhealthy body images. In addition, it was not hard to find a blog on which someone commented in a pro-Columbine attitude about how the shooters should be hailed as heros. What about the website that outlines “The Practical Guide to Suicide”. And are your kids on Facebook? Well there are all sorts of weird and unhealthy Facebook pages out there, including I Want to Punch Slow-Walking People in the Back of the Head.
What if your kids watch a lot of television? Of course, the tv and television media has been studied and criticized for years. I could not believe however, when I saw this summer a Jenny Craig weight loss ad featuring a teen who spoke about how much weight she had lost in the program. I could just see all the adolescent girls watching this ad, thinking about how they would like to lose some weight, and thinking it would be a good idea for them to join. While I think many teens do need to lose weight, I believe physicians would promote exercise, working with a nutritionist, and balanced meals rather than starting adolescents on the never-ending diet roller coaster.
Regardless, you as a parent know that this and all sorts of weird stuff is out there. Beware of what your kids are doing on the computer, and what they are watching on television. Do not assume that one conversation with kids about safe media is doing it. And do not assume that internet controls and software is keeping your teen safe, as it is not likely limiting access to the kinds of things posted here today. Provide good supervision. There’s nothing else to replace careful observation.
