“MEDIA MESSAGES – DO THEY HELP OR HINDER DEVELOPMENT?”

Many theorists believe that the acquisition of emotional intelligence and moral thinking and/or behaviors are heavily influenced by media portrayals of “appropriate” behaviors. Prior to your participation in this week’s discussion, watch an episode of a TV show or movie that is aimed at children in late childhood.

You can access full episodes from the Nickelodeon network at http://www.nick.com/videos/all-videos/?tab=all-ful… You can also view many shows via YouTube and social media forums, Netflix, Hulu and cable tv.

After viewing your media of choice and reading pages 497-498 in your text answer the following questions:

  • What did you watch?
  • What emotional or moral issues were presented?
  • How did the characters respond?
  • Where the responses and/or consequences realistic?
  • Based on your reading this week what effect on emotional and moral development do you feel that today’s TV shows, movies and social media have on our tweens (late childhood)?
  • What guidelines would you provide to parents whose children fall in this age range on media exposure? What does research suggest?

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