The Role of Parents in Media Consumption
Parents are often concerned about how much screen time their children are exposed to, and when to introduce screens and television to their little ones. The number of considerations can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By applying academic research and practical expertise, parents can create a positive and engaging media experience for their children.
- Actively involve yourself in your child’s viewing habits
- Assess your child’s skills and knowledge after watching a show
- Identify media that naturally blends storytelling and education
Children have very limited working memory, which can make it difficult for them to focus on both the plot and a lesson in a piece of media. However, a show like “Bluey” is written so that the lesson becomes part of the narrative, allowing children to absorb lessons through the story without getting confused.
Why Parents Matter
A child can only do so much, and the parent needs to be there to see if their child is succeeding. The parent’s presence is crucial in assessing their child’s skills and knowledge after watching a show. This is not just about monitoring what your child is watching, but also about providing guidance and support to help them grow and develop.
“It’s really important to have your parent there to assess your skills because a child can only do so much,” says Katie Winkleblack, a computer science student who researched the PBS show “Super Why!” “The parent needs to be there to see, is my child actually succeeding? Are they dismissing the show? Are they not engaged?”
Choosing the Right Media
Identifying media that naturally blends storytelling and education is key to ensuring your child is not only focusing but learning. A show like “Bluey” is written so that the lesson becomes part of the narrative, allowing children to absorb lessons through the story without getting confused.
“Kids are so curious at this age that they are always asking questions, so make sure you’re there to clarify, maybe even deepen their knowledge and push them further,” says Katie Winkleblack, a computer science student who researched the PBS show “Super Why!”
| Media Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Storytelling-based shows | Allow children to absorb lessons through the story without getting confused |
| Interactive media | Engage children and encourage active learning |
Creating a Positive Media Experience
By applying the knowledge gained from academic research and practical expertise, parents can create a positive and engaging media experience for their children. This involves being actively involved in your child’s viewing habits, assessing their skills and knowledge after watching a show, and identifying media that naturally blends storytelling and education.
“It’s not just about media as good or bad, but how you use it with your kids,” says Meryl Alper, an associate professor of communication studies at Northeastern University. “I wanted to be able to teach my students some of those same skills in how you take theory and bodies of research that we know are out there and be able to create something that parents might be actually able to, through very clear, not overwhelming ways, use to spend quality time with their kids through media.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, parents play a crucial role in ensuring their children have a positive and engaging media experience. By being actively involved in their child’s viewing habits, assessing their skills and knowledge after watching a show, and identifying media that naturally blends storytelling and education, parents can create a media experience that supports their child’s learning and development.
