Children nowadays are exposed to media more extensively than ever before. The widespread availability of smartphones at affordable prices has further intensified this trend. Consequently, children and adolescents find themselves engaging with diverse media platforms and channels to a greater degree than in previous eras.Recent statistics indicate that youngsters aged between eight and 12 dedicate approximately four to six hours daily to screen-based media. This heightened exposure underscores the heightened responsibility that falls on parents to cultivate a critical and discerning approach to media, encapsulated by the term "media literacy."
Media literacy entails fostering a heightened awareness and critical discernment when consuming media and absorbing the underlying messages. This is particularly pertinent for children, as media significantly contributes to their cognitive and character development. Nonetheless, media literacy is a concept that should be embraced by all strata of society. Our focus, however, revolves around the significance of inculcating media literacy specifically among children and teenagers, considering their pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the future.
While there exists a substantial amount of online material with educational value that can enrich children's learning and cultural awareness, there is also a significant presence of misleading information in the form of false news and media bias. Additionally, a plethora of "influencers" endorse commercial content and less-than-ideal consumer behaviors. What's even more concerning is that children may come across extremist content or become victims of cyberbullying from unfamiliar individuals if they lack an understanding of online safety. This amplifies the imperative for parents to assume the substantial role of educating their children about prudent media consumption practices.
In observance of Safer Internet Day, marked globally on February 7 this year, UNICEF urges parents universally to engage in discussions with their children about the media content they engage with. Furthermore, UNICEF encourages parents to regulate both the duration and selection of media content, optimizing these choices to foster the optimal development of children throughout the various stages of their childhood and adolescence.
Nonetheless, it is highly advisable for educational institutions to incorporate media literacy into their syllabi. In the interim, it becomes the responsibility of parents to undertake this role within the household environment. Initially, parents can serve as exemplary models by demonstrating the art of discerning media. It is crucial for children to witness their parents consuming news and information from credible sources. Engaging in discussions about their observations and subjecting these contents to critique enables children to develop a critical stance toward the information they encounter. This proactive approach acts as a safeguard, preventing children from being influenced without reservation merely due to a lack of critical scrutiny of the materials they consume.
Safeguarding children from radicalization and online harassment stands as a matter of utmost significance. Similar to how parents caution their children against interacting with strangers and navigating potential threats outdoors, parents should equally impart fundamental lessons in cyber safety. This encompasses emphasizing the potential hazards of engaging with unfamiliar individuals online. Fostering a sense of self-assurance within children proves pivotal, serving as a protective barrier when they encounter instances of cyberbullying. Equipping children with the knowledge to promptly report any aberrant occurrences they encounter online to their parents emerges as a vital step in ensuring their protection.
Educating children about media literacy might pose a challenge for certain parents who lack adequate familiarity with the subject. Therefore, it becomes crucial for parents to first acquaint themselves with this domain to effectively enhance their children's awareness. Numerous online resources and books are accessible, providing parents with foundational knowledge of media literacy. These resources are freely available and designed for easy utilization. Parents can even go with their children to libraries, and watch videos with their children that tells more about media literacy. By doing this, parents and children can be learning together, and have useful discussions about what they just learnt.
Instructing children in the art of researching a particular subject and evaluating its portrayal across diverse media outlets serves as an effective method to illustrate the essence of media literacy. Employing credible and trustworthy information sources greatly enhances children's comprehension of both media and historical contexts. Moreover, engaging in hands-on exercises at home can prove valuable—prompting children to contemplate how they can articulate their ideas and opinions in an impactful manner that resonates with those around them.
Should parents recognize their children's potential to amplify awareness regarding media literacy within their peer group, it is advisable to offer encouragement. This proactive approach could potentially groom children for roles as public speakers and constructive influencers. Children can actively engage in school-based initiatives, enlightening their fellow students about what they have learned and advocating for a positive approach to media consumption. In the future, should these children choose to contribute content online and become advocates for media literacy, they could significantly impact the media landscape in a positive manner.
As children develop a heightened consciousness regarding the content they encounter and cultivate a sharper sense of discernment, these attributes can extend their influence into their everyday experiences. Possessing a critical mindset can be particularly advantageous in social settings, enabling them to engage in profound conversations about prevalent societal topics. In the long run, fostering a more informed generation holds the potential to uplift societies and individuals' lives, contributing positively to both personal and national levels.
