Managing Media Exposure
In the political arena, in the community and within the home, discussion continues regarding what to do about the access that children have to sexual themes portrayed in the media. The easy solution is for parents to restrict their child’s access to material that they view as inappropriate for children. The reality is that it may be next to impossible to shield children from all media that parents find objectionable. Many parents feel helpless in the face of this onslaught. The Sexuality Information & Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) offers some helpful hints:
- You can refuse to watch or listen to anything you find inappropriate.
- Parents and other concerned adults can help children to understand programs that are scary, confusing, or not intended for children.
- Parents can set limits on television shows, movies, and music available to their children.
- When setting limits, parents have the opportunity to discuss values related to sexuality or violence.
- When parents are unable to shield children from what they deem inappropriate, they can use the experience as a “teachable moment” to help children learn a lesson about sexuality.
It is important that parents understand their role as the primary influence on their children’s developing sexual values and attitudes. Parents need to respond to the images of sexuality offered by the media and convey messages about appropriate sexuality. The best way to do this is to simply talk with your children.
Confronting Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors
Even though most children and adolescents will not engage in inappropriate sexual behaviors, we know that there are those who will.
It is essential that adults, parents, teachers and the community confront inappropriate sexual behavior when it occurs. When children engage in skirt flipping, bra snapping, or use sexually graphic language, adults can use these incidents as “teaching moments.” It is important that young people understand what is considered appropriate behavior in their community and what types of behaviors will not be tolerated. Parents can play an important role in teaching their children proper social skills and in supervising and holding their children accountable for their behavior.
Though schools and other institutions can be excellent sources of factual information about human sexuality, it is again the parents who have a critical role to play in teaching children the attitudes with which these behaviors are ultimately carried out.
For practical information on adolescent sexuality (for you and your teen), I encourage you to explore the SIECUS website.
Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 10 Dec 2006
