Primetime Goes Teen
The average teenager has spent 18 thousand hours in front of the television by graduation. The average class time is 13,000 hours.
The television industry is catching up with the teen trend. There are currently more than 16 primetime shows aimed at the teen audience, and many parents are concerned about the message they are sending.
Experts say that what these shows often portray, besides questionable attitudes about things like drinking and sex, is an unattainable idea about appearance and popularity. This may only frustrate kids who feel below standard.
“And there’s always a happy ending which in reality you go to school and there’s not,” said Ashley, 17.
Experts say kids need to be assured by their parents that their lives and struggles are normal and okay. Kids, already pressured by peers at school, don’t need extra pressure from a fictional world. Parents need to make sure their kids understand the distinction.
“Parents need to make it clear that these are not real life dramas. They are stories and that their main purpose is really to make money for the studios and sponsors,” said Tony Levitus, Psychologist.
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“Parents need to make it clear that these are not real life dramas. They are stories and that their main purpose is really to make money for the studios and sponsors.” --Tony Levitus, Psychologist. |
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Popular Teen Shows America is getting younger. There are more than 31 million teens in the United States spending an estimated $120 million annually. There hasn’t been an age demographic this vast since baby boomers. Networks and advertisers are intune with the numbers airing 16 teen shows per week. Ten years ago Thirty Something was driving the ratings and five years ago Friends, catering to the early twenties, population was the hot show. |
What Parents Should Know
Teen television is driving the ratings for many networks. With stiff competition on the teen market, shows may “get juicy” just to keep kids in tune. Experts suggested that parents know the gist of the shows their children like, and be prepared to counteract any bad messages.
Although watching 16 hours per week of teen television isn’t feasible for most parents, there are many ways to catch a quick summary of a show’s content.
By talking with other parents, reading reviews, catching the last ten minutes or asking their children about a particular show; a parent can quickly get the skinny on a show. Once a parents knows the general premise, they can better remain abreast of any sensitive topics the show addresses.
Confronted with a show that a parent hates and a child loves, a parent should watch the show with their children. Experts said that by banning the show all-together, the parent is adding to the child’s curiosity. By watching the show with the child the parent can immediately counteract any negative or inappropriate messages the show may portray
Television as a Tool
A recent study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that 57% of the surveyed parents found television did more good than harm. Some experts agree with the value of television.
Experts say that by dismissing television all-together parents may miss some key teaching opportunities. Television addresses a variety of issues that can stimulate conversation. It will open the doors of discussion to topics that otherwise may never be addressed.
It’s a chance for parents to see if their child understands the issue, the message and the difference between television and reality.
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