TV & Film for Your Kids + Dealing with War and Disaster

KIDSOKONLINE© Copyright KidsOKOnline Limited 2011

Film & TVfor Your Kids

Robert Hart-Fletcherwww.kidsandmedia.com www.kidsokonline.com

http://www.kidsandmedia.com




http://www.KIDSOKONLINE.com


Film & TV for Your Kids

KIDSOKONLINE© Copyright KidsOKOnline Limited 2011KIDSOKONLINE© Copyright KidsOKOnline Limited 2011

TV & Film are changing

Homes now have many TVs with 100’s of channels in HD or 3D, with cinema sound, and screens that fill a wall.Kids could watch anything, anywhere, anytime, on laptop, mobile or iPad, in public or private – even under the bed clothes in the middle of the night.



Lots more to see and do

The volume of TV and film aimed at children and teens is growing fast and becoming more sophisticated. Kids might also see channels on the family TV (e.g. porn) and programs not meant for children.Teen and adult films routinely show, in compelling high-speed action: extreme violence, cruelty, blood and gore, exploitive sex, drug abuse – all delivered in a stream of very strong language.



The exploitation box

Some parents worry that exposure to some TV and film content harms their children:

Films get kids used to violence, cruelty and swearingFocus on sex makes young kids sexually aware and active to soonAdverts make kids want too muchPhone-ins rip kids offOnline gambling draws kids in



The distortion box

Some TV shows have an insidious influence that can distort a child’s view of life

Talent shows promise anyone can be a star, and then reject tens of thousandsFootballers wives become TV celebrities without talent or skill‘Reality’ shows appear to reward showing off, bizarre or extreme behaviourSoaps can give a distorted, sensationalised or dumbed-down view of ‘everyday life’.



The learning box

Many TV shows and films are highly entertaining and informally educational:

Some programmes are specifically designed to help children learnMany documentary programmes are fascinating and valuable for childrenSome movies and dramas contribute to children’s emotional developmentNews and current affairs broaden children’s understanding of the world



Control the channels

You can select the best TV content for your children and protect them from what’s unsuitable.

If you use a digital TV package (e.g. Sky, Virgin, Freeview etc), ask your local supplier how you set the decoder box to block unsuitable channels from your children, such as:

Porn

Horror

Shopping

Gambling



Control the downloads

Most TV companies now provide free content online: SkyGO, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, Channel 4OD, Virgin Media.Services like TV Catchup stream live TV for free from over 40 channels.Kids could download to laptop, mobile or iPad and watch without you knowing.Some services have Parent Controls that let you select which content your kids can see and when they can go online.

“Virgin Media’s Parental Control

stops your child watching

unsuitable content. Select your

child's age group and the

software does the rest.”



Set the limits

Children at different ages expect different rules on what to watch and how late to stay up.Don’t negotiate with your infant kids. Just set the rules. and stick to them.Discuss with your primary kids and teens, the reasons for selecting content and limiting TV time and agree the limits depending on age and school work load.Make the TV in your child’s bedroom a privilege that you can withdraw if abused.



Talk to other parents

It’s a good idea to exchange experiences and advice with other parents.Do not be gullible to your child’s claims that “All the other children stay up late to watch...”You need to be confident that when your child stays with her friend, she will not see TV or films that you feel would be harmful. So it’s good to agree content standards with their parents.



TV in the family room

Keep the best TV in a family room. Watch good films and TV shows with your children and let them experience family viewing as a rewarding social activity.This helps you keep track of how your children react to TV content and creates opportunities to talk about what they see.



TV in a child’s room?

If you allow your older child or teen a TV, in his own room, discuss and agree clear rules on when it can be used and how. Make it clear you will suspend the privilege if the rules are broken.Your child might transgress, so be ready to follow through – no matter how unpopular you might be! Then allow him to earn the privilege back.

NOTE: If you allow private internet access, webcam or games console use, you have much more to consider about your child’s safety. See ‘A Safer Internet for Your Kids’.



TV conversations

Ask your children what they find fun and exciting.Help your children become discriminating viewers. Ask them questions, such as:

How real is this reality show?

Do you believe that advert?

Ask your children to tell you if they see anything unpleasant, sad or disgusting.Help your children make sense of news and current affairs.



Talk about the news

News broadcasts are often too challenging or distressing for infant children.Watch the news with your primary children and teens and discuss what is happening.Help them understand how news events might or might not affect your family



War and disaster

Children are more frightened by violence in the news than in cartoons or films. Small children should be protected completely from news of war, natural disasters, violence, murder, sexual assault or tragic news involving children. Small children might not understand that the a war or disaster is a long way from home and the family will not be hurt.Very young children have a limited sense of time and might assume a repeated old news story is happening right now.



War and disaster

Norwegian Educational Psychologist and one-time film censor, Birgit Bruun, advises parents on how kids understand war and disaster reporting on TV.

Age 2 to 5Child can’t tell fiction from reality. Does not understand long periods of time or distances.

Upset by harm to animals or children.

Never leave child alone with unpredictable TV.

Must not see the news

Age 5 to 9Child may be upset by violent TV content. Can imagine what might happen to her or other children. Child starts to tell fiction from reality.

Should only watch the news with you present and ready to switch off, divert or explain.

Age 9 to 10Child may be upset by war and disaster, but a conversation with you may reduce effects of media exposure and relieve stress.

Talk to your child about war and disasters, and help her relate to media coverage.



And now, the good news

In the midst of disaster, there may be good news to share with your child such as:

the efforts of the relief campaign

people being rescued

kind people giving money to help

Discuss what small thing you and your child can do to help, to reduce any feelings of guilt and helplessness.



A child upset

If your children see or hear anything that upsets them. Tell them clearly what you, as an adult, think about what has happened. Some children may have nightmares for days after seeing something scary. So be extra attentive if your young child has seen worrying events on TV or film.



Talking it out

Children need to talk about what they see and hear, especially if it’s upsetting or worrying.Let them draw things they’ve seen on the news or write stories or poems about what they see and hear. In this way your child can cope with even the strongest impression.



TV role models

Do not let ‘celebrities’ on TV or the fictional heroes in films (or video games) become the most influential role models in your child’s life. Help your child enjoy the fun and froth of talent shows, reality TV or celebrity watching, without being fooled into thinking it’s real life or a viable career path for everyone.Help your child become a conscious media consumer who can see what’s real, what’s acting and what’s computer generated.



Kids and films

There is a wide variety of films for children and adolescents, and it can be challenging to find what is good for children to watch.The British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) classifies films, DVDs and video games in age suitability categories. Learn more at BBFC for Parents http://www.pbbfc.co.uk/To quickly check out any film on release, download the BBFC iPhone app.

http://www.pbbfc.co.uk

http://www.pbbfc.co.uk

BBFC Film Classification

The age suitability of films, DVDs and Video games

4+

8+

12+

12+ must be accompanied in cinema

15+

18+

18+ in licensed cinemas only




KidsandMedia can help

Visit www.KidsandMedia.co.uk We give practical advice on films and TV for children.


http://www.KidsandMedia.co.uk




Visit www.KidsandMedia.co.uk We give practical advice on films and Tv for children.
















Visit www.KidsandMedia.co.uk We review hundreds of films aimed at children, teens and families and some popular films rated 15.We tell you what they’re about, how entertaining they are, and the age they’re suited for.We stamp “kidsandmedia recommended” on the best.You can browse the list of reviews or search for a specific film title.






Visit www.KidsandMedia.co.uk Download the free Digital Childhood book for useful tips and tools for a safer media life.





Film & TVfor Your Kids

Robert Hart-Fletcherwww.kidsandmedia.com www.kidsokonline.com





