However, some have argued that there is no such thing as “bad media exposure.” Those who practice this philosophy stand by the belief that exposure to the real world is a good thing for young children. In a recent CBS article titled, Is Violence Good for Children? Gerald Jones, author of Killing Monsters: Why Children Need Fantasy, Super Heroes, and Make-Believe Violence, strongly believes that children’s exposure to all types of media will help them develop naturally. Jones says that, “Children choose their heroes more carefully than most think. From Pokémon to the rapper Eminem, pop culture icons are not simply commercial pied pipers who practice mass hypnosis on our youth…Jones calls for parents, teachers, and everyone else who cares about the next generation to learn why this entertainment holds such enormous appeal and how they can help children develop naturally” (Neal). Jones believes that his philosophy will result in children developing better coping skills as well as giving them the ability to trust their own emotions and present them with the confidence to stand up to the pressures of pop-culture. People like Jones argue that a child’s exposure to different variations of the media will ultimately give them an increased potential to grow up to become strong, independent, …show more content…
Often times the screen is on channels such as, FOX News or FX, rather than an educational PBS or Nickelodeon. The mass medias ability to attract spectators for hours at a time, influence viewers to purchase products, and portray characters in roles based on stereotype and prejudice, are only a few of the negative affects the media demonstrates to children viewers who watch their screens religiously. Pediatrics & Child Health’s article wrote an article titled, Impact of Media Use on Children and Youth, which regarded their belief that extensive media exposure should be an issue discussed with a child’s Pediatrician. The article says “The influence of the media on the psychosocial development of children is profound. Thus, it is important for physicians to discuss with parents their child’s exposure to media and to provide guidance on age-appropriate use of all media, including television, radio, music, video games and the Internet.” The over exposure of the mass media during the 20th century has resulted mental as well as physical medical issues for children. The messages transmitted through these screens disrupt the development of a child’s mind and the extensive viewing time has taken a drastic toll on many of their