"Every passing moment is a chance to turn it all around." -Vanilla Sky

Counselor’s Corner

Michelle Winn

Counselor

M.Ed

Movies, video games, TV shows and kids…

 

We say “modeling is the number one teaching tool”, and that is true.  Children model what they see more than what they hear.  In addition, a child’s brain, specifically the frontal lobe which controls impulsivity and decision making is not fully developed until the age of 21…. So what are we exposing them to and how is it effecting them?

 

Have you ever taken a moment to explain television and movie ratings to your child?  Are you, yourself, aware of what the ratings mean and how they can influence our children? Is the television and/or video games a “babysitter”?  Do you have time limits in your home?

 

As most of us know, when we talk about movie ratings; G= general audience, means appropriate for all ages, PG= parental guidance, means that children may need some guidance because material is a little mature, PG13= is more age appropriate for those over 13.  Those movies typically have more inappropriate language, violence, or sexual undertones included.  R ratings are really for those mature adults (notice I didn’t say “all” adults J).   Video games have even broader ratings:  E= everyone, T= teens (probably most appropriate for 13 and above), and M=mature audiences-usually for 17 and older- (be aware- many of these “M” games  may appear innocent; until you unlock some of the hidden controls where sexual promiscuity, extreme violence, extreme language, gang violence, and use of drugs are displayed).

 

Ratings were created to help parents make informed decisions regarding what their children are exposed to on T.V and in theatres.  Developmentally speaking however, ratings were created because children cannot always process what they see.  When a child is exposed to a television show, a movie, or game that they are developmentally not ready for, you will often see that much of their play focuses around the topic to which they were exposed.  You may witness sex play, violence, or hear words your child never before uttered…. This is a signal to you that they are trying to make sense of what they have seen and/or heard.  They may also have unrealistic fears suddenly; fear that a parent may die, leave, be killed, or that there are ghosts in the attic…  and often, extended or prolonged exposure to violence numbs children to feeling empathy/sympathy when true acts of violence occur.  This is not only true for children that are six, seven years of age; but it is also true of children who are ten, eleven, and twelve years of age. In addition, studies show that prolonged use of television or video games create diminished social skills in children, and children are less likely to develop mature communication skills because electronic media is typically one-way communication.

 

With the rise of electronics we, as parents and educators, need to be even more aware of what children are watching on television, in video games, in movie theatres, and on the computer. We all want what is in the best interest for our children developmentally and emotionally, so we need to all take an active part and take responsibility for our role, actively monitor the use of electronic devices and media, and encourage dialogue with our children when confusing topics arise.

Some hints to help:

 

· Preview shows before allowing your child to watch.  Even the cartoon “The Simpsons” has mature topics that young children should not be viewing.

· Set a definitive limit on the amount of time children are allowed to play computer/video games:  anything over an hour is really too much.

· Get online and research video games your child has access to… see what content is included.

· Talk to your children about your expectations when they go to friends’ houses- not everyone has the same expectations as you do.

· Refrain from taking young children to PG13 and R movies unless you plan to do some heavy explaining later… or plan to sleep with the lights on for the next few years.  They will have many years ahead of them to watch those shows.

· Move the computer to a general place- kitchen, living room- somewhere that you can easily monitor.

Use parental controls- especially if your child has a television in his/her room.  Have you seen what is on comedy central and vh1 these days?

 

Remember- they are still children until they are 18, and your responsibility to guide them to be productive and healthy adults.

 

(See links page for additional resources on this topic)

Hays CISD

Who is your Negley Counselor? 

My name is Michelle Benziger Winn and this is my third year at Negley Elementary.  I received my B.S. in Early Childhood Education at the University of Texas in Austin and my M.Ed in Counseling from Southwest Texas State…. I mean Texas State University. :)  Previous to counseling I  taught 5th grade, 1st grade, and Prekindergarten for ten years.  Often people ask me which is my favorite… they are all my favorites but for different reasons!  Previous to Negley I was a counselor at Langford Elementary School for 8 years, in East Austin and loved it!  I also taught Invest and Positive Family classes for two years (in the evening) at the Alternative Learning Center in Austin to families that had a middle or high school child that had been referred to the center for drugs/alcohol and/or fighting.   It was an awesome experience that I do miss.

I currently live in Plum Creek with my husband, who teaches in Eanes, my 11 year old stepson, Justice, who attends Barton, and plays in the band, and is addicted to football, and my 2 year old daughter, Jadyn, who attends Negley Early Learning Center, and has just gotten out of diapers!  Yea ha!

Come by and visit anytime! Let me know how I can better serve you and your family, and thanks for visiting my web page.