Children’s Television. What Impact Is It Making On Your Child?
Posted: Friday, February 26, 2010
by Nicki Leavens
Ever wondered what impact the television is having on your child? I know we all swear blind we will not allow our own children to watch as much television as the neighbour's children. But how many of us can truly say we haven't bunged little Johnny in front of the television to be able to get a bit more of the house work done? Most of us with young children know all about Bear in the big blue house.' I love it; due to the fact it can keep my 2-year-old nephew quiet for ages. But how many of us actually realise how much children's television has changed since the 1950's and how it has affected our children's behaviour?
Some critics believe the media is responsible for ending childhood. People are no longer capable of thinking for themselves, because the media does all this for them. It is hidden under the agenda called entertainment. The secrets of adult life are being disclosed to children without the need for education. Before television became popular, children would have to learn to read and go in search for books they wanted. Adult books were unobtainable and unknown to children. Television now exposes children to sex and violence long before they are ready. The increase of child crime and teenage pregnancy is blamed on television. Children are not only growing up too fast but adults are not mature enough to stop the demise of childhood.
THE CHANGING FACE OF TELEVISION
Do you know what your children's favourite shows are? It seems ludicrous to today's children that programmes in the 1950's were actually enjoyable. Shows like Bill and Ben' were puppets that had very little animation. Compared to the action films and programmes children are exposed to in today's world, Bill and Ben' seem a bit absurd.
Programme makers of years gone by in Britain; seem to have had a very low opinion of children's intelligence. America was already ahead with faster action and complex designs. This came in the form of Sesame Street.' The scenes were set in the street and although guided by adults, the programme was not set in the safety of the studio like the BBC's Play School'. The BBC thought Play School' was a much better type of programme for British children. This is an example of how adults manipulate what they believe is right for children to watch.
Children vary in personality and character just as much as adults do. Children like adults will prefer different programmes. This is why Sesame Street' was a success when it first hit British screens.
By 1990, children's programmes were becoming less authoritative. In the past programmes were made in the safe enclosure of a garden or studio. An adult would regulate the show telling children what to do. Compare society in the 1950's to today's society. Authoritarian styles simply would not work with the modern child. Play School has evolved into Play days.' This was less authoritative and the adults played alongside the children. Teletubbies in the 1990's was completely child centred. So much so, that it was criticised for its use of language. It was thought that young children would grow up unable to talk properly. The argument for the Teletubbies' is that it gave children their own world. The young children were allowed to explore the environment and the objects within, at their own pace.
As well as style, presenters have also changed over time. In the 1920's and 1930's, presenters were middle aged, sensible authority figures. Presenters have become younger, less stuffy and more relaxed. They represent a friend rather than a teacher.
THE MONEY MAKERS
Since children have become, a commodity of their own, television has involved children more. Television shows designed for them include music and movies that children can go to the shops and buy. Cartoons do not stay on the screen for long. They are turned into a moneymaking venture. Children can buy the videos, toys and other merchandise that goes with it.
Television was in the early stages of development in the 1950's compared to today. It had not perfected the technique of manipulating the teenager. The 1950's were also the beginning of the teenage pound'. Children had more time on their hands and more money to spend on themselves.
The media is very good at keeping up with children's need and wants. It can even be argued it is the media controlling what children want. The different images of television are socially constructed. Without a television set children will still be exposed to the media through the interaction they have with their friends. Toys on the shelf will no doubt be from the latest movie craze. However, children are easily bored, so the next craze is always in the pipeline ready for when the former one fizzles out. Disney has been around for years; its timeless classics are just as popular with children as the latest movie release. Programmes for pre-school children like Watch with Mother' in the 1950's are very similar to programmes made today. Pre-school children are not as easily influenced on what they should or shouldn't like. They have undeniably more choice of programme than their predecessors of the 50's did, but they seem to have their favourites and cannot be swayed. Despite the changes in children's television over the years, some of the context has not changed that much. Young children still enjoy music and toys. Society has changed over the years, but is it society that has changed television or television that has changed society?
This Article has been viewed 946 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)This is a thought-provoking article. When I grew up, in the 50's and early 60's, Saturday morning was the only time that we sat and watched TV for any length of time. After school, I would play outside, or read a book.My daughter is already trying to not let my 1 yr. old granddaughter sit in front of the TV too much. I hope she keeps it up!Than you for your comment Janet. It is far too easy an option to stick them in front of the TV. When I play with my nephew, we usually cover the carpet with glitter and glue.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.