“Children from very early ages learn much about the world from the media, and the short- and long-term effects of media on children are very important to know and understand for all of us who care about ‘shaping the future.” (http://www.clas.ufl.edu/events/news/articles/2003_wartella.pdf)According to the recent article “Lolita in the Classroom” from National Education Association, children today are highly influenced by the media. (http://www.nea.org/neatoday/0803/sexualization.html)
Children are exposed to sex at an earlier age through the media. Popular magazines geared toward teens often show famous young celebrities in risqué clothing and promiscuous poses. For example, Christina Aguliera was shown in a teen magazine dressed as a schoolgirl with her bra exposed. Magazines are depicting women as sex objects and young teenage girls are mimicking these high profile celebrities. “Most teenage girls admit that they have learned about sex or gotten ideas from what they see on television, in music lyrics, in movies and on the Internet.” (http://www.oprah.com/relationships/relationships_content.jhtml?contentId=con_20031002_tele.xml§ion=Family&subsection=Parenting) What of message is being instilled into young children from the media?
Young girls are being influenced to look and dress a certain way because of the way women are depicted in the media. This influence can cause extreme health issues such as eating disorders, depression and low self-esteem. Many girls look up to celebrities and those women depicted in the media and get a warped sense of what beauty actually is. Teachers are trying to inform young girls about the damaging influence of media and advertising and are trying several ways to combat this troublesome issue. Some schools would like to establish a dress code for students, as well as holding seminars for parents on this issue.
What can we do as teachers to help dissolve this problem? Should the schools be responsible for not only teaching students but also explaining them on how to dress? Is it the schools position to enlighten children about the dangers in today’s media?
As young educators, we think that it is disgusting how media targets young girls and influences them at an alarming rate. We feel that these young children are being exposed too early and too often about sex. The images of women that are being portrayed in the media are unrealistic and unattainable. We think that magazines, billboards, and other types of media should be showing more positive and realistic role models.
School is a professional environment in which students as well as teachers should be dressing appropriately. When these children graduate from school and enter the working world they will need to dress professionally and appropriately. We think that students should learn this appropriate way of dressing while they are still young. We do not believe that there should be a dress code but we feel that student’s parents should be more aware of what their children are wearing at school. Are we as teachers raising these young women to become working, successful beings or as working street girls?
29 responses so far ↓
marni123 // March 11, 2008 at 9:56 pm |
Teachers, alone, cannot control the media. What we can do is to enlighten students as to the ways in which the media manipulates their target market; young girls. TV watching should be very limited, girls should seek out positive role models and limit Internet usage. Parents that allow their daughters to dress provocatively probably dress in a similiar fashion themselves.
I also believe that when girls are involved in sports teams they are are less likely to be influenced by this superficial garbage because they build their confidence and self-worth.
kelly7 // March 12, 2008 at 3:34 am |
I believe that making children aware of the media and how they can stretch the truth, and that they shouldn’t believe everything they see or hear. I think that it’s important for teachers to stress about the media to an extent, but it’s also the parents job at home to explain what they see in the media especially because the children watch the most TV at home. Letting children know early on about false media could hopefully have a positive long term effect.
nyteachers // March 12, 2008 at 1:20 pm |
I don’t think that this is solely a girls’ problem. Increasingly, boys and men are also affected by media images to want to look a certain way and to expect girls to look a certain way.
As an educator, I think that telling children “this is bad, don’t do it” never works.
Getting children really engaged in an interest that helps them define who they are rather than these images is important. Marni talked about sports – it can also be music, the arts, etc.
Kelly above also talked about parents teaching about how false the media can be. Teachers can also teach for critical media literacy. You can look at the lesson plans below from the National Reading Association that are great ideas for planning lessons that gets students, and ourselves to think out of the (TV) box.
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=97
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=96
reenyp // March 12, 2008 at 6:25 pm |
Well if you are Eliot Spitzer you’d probably wish that today’s young women grow up to be “street girls” instead of bright, educated women.
I completely agree with you when you say that parents have to take responsibilty for what our children wear to school. We shouldn’t let them go to school wearing something that covers 1/2 their body. In terms of the media, we are parents just need to talk with our kids all the time about what’s going on. The more open lines of communication, the better…especially for the long run!
lfarrell // March 12, 2008 at 9:36 pm |
I agree that media image is a major problem for both girls and boys. Personally, I believe that it is a good idea to impose a minor dress code in schools. I believe children should be able to express themselves through their own personal style. However, as said before, school is a professional environment and children can express themselves without being inappropriate. Dress codes could be as simple as banning clothing that exposes too much or is graphic or offensive. This will hopefully teach children that there is a time and place to express themselves that way.
I also agree that it is an excellent idea to teach children in the classroom to be media savvy. Classroom discussions on what is happening in pop culture can be helpful for children to sort out their feelings on what they are seeing and reading about. Hopefully the right steps can be taken in schools to help prevent children from being negatively influenced by the media.
queens6 // March 13, 2008 at 1:54 pm |
I agree with the authors views on the media affect on young girls. The problem is the media makes huge profit off sex and will never alter their ways. Teachers can talk to students about the sitaution occuring and try to enlighten students. Also, schools can offer workshops on important topics that affect students. I have been in schools that offer courses on drugs, sex and underage drinking. The situation is complex because everywhere you turn the media is there-tv, radio computer, stores-and kids are constantly reinforced with whats “cool” and try to emulate these people and their actions.
katiea771 // March 13, 2008 at 8:41 pm |
I believe it is a parent’s responsibility to be aware of what their children are exposed to. Television and internet usage should be monitored and parents should also be aware of what their children are reading. Parents should also be aware of how their children are dressing! It is the parents responsibility to edit their child’s clothing choices.
However, even if parents are actively trying to censor their children from the media it does not mean they are not exposed to it. Teachers should introduce children (both boys and girls) to the truth behind media…the “ideals” people are trying to achieve (thru unhealthy methods) are often heavily airbrushed and not real at all. Teachers should also be sure to provide their students with examples of people and celebrities that are good role models.
dnice78 // March 14, 2008 at 7:54 pm |
This is not only an interesting article but an on going issue for students today. All people are affected by the media. It is still the responsibility of the parent to educate their adolescents. As educators we should help towards this end. School can not only be about academic progress but should include emotional and social support too. We should take time to discuss strategies with students that they can use to help off set the impact of the media. Students are being exposed to sex at an earlier age. They are being exposed to many things. They are wiser and more talented (in my opinion), yet they are weaker and more influenced. I agree that they need to dress appropriately when they come to school. I think a school dress code is a good idea and would help to eliminate some social and behaviorialy problems.
lobell3c // March 14, 2008 at 11:27 pm |
I think that we can only teach our children right from wrong and hope that they will use their best judgement. We can’t shield them from the media, or stop them from reading magazines. Advertisements are everywhere from billboards to buses, they are even on pop ups on the internet. So I don’t think there is a specific way in which the teachers or the parents can avoid wehat is going on in the world. I think teachers as well as parents can explain to their children/students that the truth is stretched in some ways when it involves the media. Today there are many pop stars, models, actors, and actresses that are not setting great examples for children, but there are plenty of those that in the same token are good role models and setting good examples or are involved in good benefits, that we can try and get our children to focus more on, rather than the ones that are poisening their minds. I just think that each child will have to be there own critic and you as a parent/teacher hope that you did the best you could in trying to decipher what the media can imply.
jcolford3 // March 16, 2008 at 5:20 pm |
I agree that teachers can not prevent children to focus on the media. What we can do however is give a pro and con way of looking at it. Children do not want to hear that something is bad. We all know when we tell students not to do something, 9 times out of 10 they are going to do it. When we give children facts however, they tend to listen. We do not have to be all over them, we have to give them information to help them make the right choices.
junmeizhang // March 18, 2008 at 1:00 am |
This is a very interesting topic. I agree that media greatly influences young poeple’s judgement and value. If the neenagers grow up in an evironment filled with inappropriate exposure of sex or violence, they would become numb and even inclined to imitate those bahaviors.
I think government shoud take some actions to limit the exposure. In New York, wherever you wait for the subway you can see the booths where all kinds of the magazines are displayed on the windows. What impresses us the most is the half-naked females. If your young child stares at those cover girls, will you feel comfortable?
Actually, I recommend that schools should have a dress code. I don’t see disadvantages of having a dress code for students.
By the way, the picture is very cute, you are a good drawer.
mariag1 // March 18, 2008 at 2:58 pm |
This issue is so difficult for many, whether one is a parent, teacher, and/or student attending a public school. The media can’t be stopped for many reasons. Media will continue to portray sexuality, especially amongst teens, because it sells. It is sad that so little can be done in our society as a whole.
However, in the educational setting teachers can incorporate into health classes a unit on media portrayal of young females and males as sexual objects and have students realize the wrong in what they are being taught through magazines, television, and etcetera. Here they can get a better understanding of cloths, and appearance in general and see the effect of how the world will perceive them if they copy certain risqué trends.
Parents really should be the ones to guide their children in how to present themselves but this rarely works in the adolescent stages. There are many girls who leave the house one way and bring a pair of cloths to change into in the school bathroom. Altogether, there has to be a balance between school, the home, and media to teach our youth to present themselves in a positive, intelligent manner rather than in a risky, questionable manner.
lsichel // March 19, 2008 at 5:42 pm |
What can we do as teachers to help dissolve this problem? Should the schools be responsible for not only teaching students but also explaining them on how to dress? Is it the schools position to enlighten children about the dangers in today’s media?
I am currently working in a fifth grade classroom and it is so obvious that the media strongly affects these young girls. The way they dress, speak, and how they interact with eachother (and with boys) are all affectedby media. I don’t think that the responsibility to educate these children soley lies within the hands of the teachers, however I do feel teachers can definately help. Of course, at home parents should be monitoring websites, tv shows, and anything else that may negatively affect their children. In school, children should be educated on how to find reliable sources. They should also be taught the skills to identifying or being aware of false information or information from sources that are not credible. I read an article for another class that focused on a school that implemented these tactics of teaching children how to be aware and educated about the internet and it seemed to work well. We can not be at home with them to monitor what they watch but we can teach them better ways to understand and interpret the internet and other forms of media.
ellieboyle // March 19, 2008 at 10:24 pm |
The influence of the media on young girls is frightening. I think it is important as teachers, parents and family members to be good role models to girls. We must conduct ourselves not as saints but as real women who are intelligent and confident. Keeping girls engaged in activities that will enrich their lives, such as sports or art can help build self esteem. As teachers we can also educate them on how the media targets them and manipulates images to make them feel bad about themselves. We should also show the negative side to the glamourized sexuality in the media i.e. eating disorders and drug use.
paulschropfer2 // March 20, 2008 at 1:57 am |
Working in a catholic school I see kids wearing uniforms everyday, but it hasnt been to long since I wa in public school in Queens. What I remember as I look back is that school was like a runway show. Girls and Boys dressing much older then they should be. We as future teachers have to help defeat these images the media gives us of women. These silly shows about making me into a super model and seeing celebrities in bathing suits are horrible for our young girls to see. Since it doesnt seem like this tend of portraying women in this manner is going to stop so I feel we have to remind our girls that these people they see on TV and in magazines are not what everyday women look, act and dress like. Like the article says school is a profesional atmosphere and parents should dress their kids approprietly and keep the idea of what a real women is like, not like the twigs we see in the media.
tiff8222 // March 20, 2008 at 5:24 pm |
I agree that is is disturbing how the media influences not only women but men as well on what to wear. If it isn’t women thinking it is okay to wear provacative clothing it is guys thinking they have to wear flashy name brands. I do think that teachers have a responsibility to teach kids and say what their wearing is not appropriate but like nyteachers said kids aren’t going to listen if you say don’t wear that it is only going to make them rebel. It should be done in way were they are being taught in a indirect way.
denise45 // March 21, 2008 at 9:11 pm |
In today’s world a women’s fashion clearly defines and stereotypes her and I agree that children, as well as teachers, should dress appropriately in the school environment. However, who defines what is appropriate dress? We are living in a society where less is more, so to say. I remember my schoolteachers and they certainly did not dress like most of the teachers I have been observing. Children mimic what they see and when they see their teachers in high-healed boots that go up to their knees and tight clothing, why should they not be able to do the same. We have come a long way since the poodle skirts of the 1950s and women have become more liberated in many way, including their attire – but when will we learn that we are beautiful with our cloths on. I mean seriously, don’t you get cold or self-conscience with all that skin showing? In my opinion, this type of education needs to start at home. Parents need to learn to say no and school administrators need to curb their teachers dress as well.
laur6474 // March 23, 2008 at 4:38 pm |
I agree with how the media influences not only females but males too. We as teachers should be good role models and inform our students that the media isn’t always correct. Teachers should tell their students to be their own person and to dress the way the feel is the most comfortable. I believe that if we help get our students involved in other activities that it might help boost their self esteem and never feel the need to wear inappropriate clothing.
kfabian3599 // March 26, 2008 at 3:32 pm |
I feel the media does have a strong influence on young males and females in today’s society. There is no way we can monitor everything that young children are watching or reading because the media is everywhere. I feel it is the parents responsibility to be aware of what their child is watching on television and they should sit and watch the shows with them and make sure they are age appropriate. I see young girls who are highly influenced by the media and want to be like the celebrities that they see. There are positive role models but there are also many negative role models. As teachers we should educate our students on being a positive role models and encouraging them to be their own person. I feel it is hard to enforce a dress code in public schools but the parents should know what is appropriate for school and if the teacher feels what the student is wearing is inappropriate, than that needs to be addressed to the student and parent.
mjsophie // March 26, 2008 at 4:21 pm |
What is key is “saving” these girls from all of this sexual identity being thrown at them is to teach strong self esteem. I know as a parent I closely monitor t.v and movies my children are exposed to, and if we do experience an issue that is controversial I try to talk about how our family would handle the situation, what do we believe is right, I ask questions like what do you think when you see that girl dressed like that? What makes her cool? I hope and believe that often times by disecting a situation we remove the mystery. If we can limit exposure-which believe me is almost impossible(if they don’t see it at home they get it on a play date or at school) and help these girls and boys for that matter realize that dressing in a provocative way isnt the right choice for everyone and that choice has to reflect whats best and most comfortable for them. I think whats important to remember is what makes students feel compelled to get attention in this way? If we can figure that out maybe we have an answer to the problem.
Kirsten Dellecave:EDI 677
enab9 // March 26, 2008 at 10:02 pm |
This discussion revolves around role models and morals.
Teachers are academic educators; not a life coach. We are there to give academic guidance and to develop life skills, that will be important in socializing in the workforce.
It is the parents job to discuss dress code and self-worth.
royconde1 // March 27, 2008 at 3:32 pm |
I don’t think teachers can solve this solution alone and maybe not at all. The media has such a lock on our society that most people are subject to it even though they might not think they are. The only way to make a significant impact on this issue is to attack it on all angles. Not just in schools, but also have some sort of mandated regulations that can mediate magazines or other media sources that are primarily adolescent geared to be better suited for them when it comes to dress and poses. I have noticed in schools that girls mimic exact clothing worn by celebrities just because they are wearing it.
kmaldon // March 30, 2008 at 1:58 pm |
I do believe that the media is influencing young girls today and it is very disturbing to think about it. As good teachers we need to be good role models for our students as well as teach them about the influences of media. Although I do not believe that it is only the teachers responsibility to do so, but the parents as well.
pamela11050 // April 6, 2008 at 3:46 pm |
The media does have a significant influence on today’s youth. Children are aware of all the latest fashions, gadgets, music, movies, and telivision shows. I am a strong believer that parents need to take a stronger position when it comes to the media and how it may influence their child. It is ok to want to buy the lateset items but at what cost? It can be a very hurtful situation to a child if a parent or caregiver can’t afford to provide certain things for their child. It can create isoloation on one hand but on the other in a sense develop friendships because their is a common bond being created. I think that the teachers should always teach about good citizenship but it is not our place to dioctate what a child has or should want.
amwirth // April 10, 2008 at 12:35 am |
I think the media has a profound impact on today’s society, particularly youth. Even people who have good self image can begin to feel poorly about themselves when they see people depicted so perfectly in the media. People don’t really look that perfect, they are airbrushed and painted and covered up to look flawless. That’s just not realistic. Children need to be happy about themselves because of who they are not what they look like.
dani119 // April 11, 2008 at 11:44 pm |
I found this article to be interesting because I work in an elementary school and I am baffled at the way some of the 6th grade girls come dressed to school. I mean do their parents see them leave their house or even see the clothes they are buying. When I was that age I could never leave the house with a lace tank and my bra hanging out. These girls do not understand the message this sends to others. What they wear communicates to others of the opposite sex. When they get to the high school wearing clothes such as these they are promoting themselves in a very demeaning and sexual way, and I don’t think they understand this. Parents and teachers need to explain to young girls that what they wear can sometimes represent who they are, and they should not represent themselves in a way that is demeaning or sexual in any means necessary.
pjswim // April 12, 2008 at 2:16 am |
There is no possible way to as a teacher block the messages that children are receiving from the media the only thing we can do however is educate the children that not everything they see and or read is true and that some of the people they see portrayed in these outlets are not what the normal person looks like. We can help to try to boost a child’s self esteem however there is only so much that a teacher can do in regards to this. Instead this is more of an issue that really falls on the parents. As the parents are the ones who are more often than not buying their children’s clothing [or at least giving them the money to go shopping] they should also be educating their child on what is and is not appropriate attire. A public school should not have to resort to uniforms or a true dress code each child should be able to express themselves through their clothing choices as long as it is in a respectable non distributive matter. However if a child does show up to school inappropriately fashioned [i.e short booty shorts] I feel that the school does have the right to send a child home to change.
moedpsych // April 22, 2008 at 7:25 pm |
I agree with the authors that it is disgraceful how the media targets young children. It speaks a great deal about the ethics and morals that run corportations, media, marketing, and ultimately, our entire economy. I am fearful that what matters more to our government is money and, therefore, we cannot depend on them to forbid the media from targeting young children. I also agree that educating young girls about how vulnerable they are to the media may be our best option to help young girls to develop a positive self-esteem. This is an issue that touches me so deeply and, therefore, brings me much frustration and heartache as it seems to also bring the authors of this article.
juliannefaust // May 1, 2008 at 1:41 am |
Media has such a huge impact on people of all ages. I think that schools should teach students about dressing appropriately and they could do this in many different ways. I notice many teachers come to school in jeans or clothing that i wouldnt consider appropriate for work. I’ve seen many young girls (elementary) wearing short skirts with Ugg boots, something I would not have been allowed to wear. Teachers can play a role, and schools should enforce some type of a dress code (no spaghetti straps or short shorts) but I believe it is the job of the parent to make sure their child is dressed appropriately. I remember one time in high school, i was wearing short gym shorts and my father told me to change. When I was parking when i got to school, I saw my dad parked behind me telling me to go home and change. At the time I thought he was crazy, but now I understand where he was coming from and I appreciate it.
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