TV Talk Tips

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s “Sex on TV 3” report, two-thirds of all television shows have some sexual content.  Teens who watch 3 to 5 hours of TV each day witness about 2,000 sex acts per year!  (Sex acts include kissing, embracing, implied intercourse, fondling, etc.)

Here are some tips for parents and caregivers to use teens watching TV to an advantage:

  1. Watch what your children watch.  Do this as often as you can.  Also review TV listings and suggest shows that you would like to watch with them.
  2. Watch the first time without offering any opinions.  Sit back, relax, and take in what you see and hear.  You’ll learn what your children like.
  3. Ask your child’s opnion.  Use “How do you feel about…?” and “What do you think…?”  You have begun to nurture the thinking and skills that will help our children question media messages.
  4. Share your opinions and values in a postive way.  Discuss your thoughts.  Your children need to understand your values as they begin to form their own.
  5. Watch for “teachable moments”.  Use the opportunity of a joke or a tender scene to discuss a subject.
  6. Use commercial time to talk.  Take this time to communicate your own brief message.  Your children may pay more attention to you during a break in the show.
  7. Remember that “bad” shows can provoke discussion, too.  They will often give you the opportunity to discuss the behavior of a certain character.
  8. Be sensitive. Your children might find it embarassing for you to discuss sexuality issues in front of their friends and other adults.
  9. Use keys to good communication.  As you’re talking, encourage give and take. Use such prhases as “What do you think?”, “That’s a good question”, “I don’t know but I’ll find out”, and “I’m glad you told me about that.”
  10. Have fun!  Keep your talks informal.  Avoid lectures. Seek input.  Your child will build barriers against criticism.