Soap Operas

Soap operas are some of the most extreme examples of models of insanity. In addition to being filled with an abundance of negative role models, their entertainment value is also suspect. Ask yourself this one question, “Do I want my child emulating the values portrayed by these characters?” The majority of content is filled with deceit, greed, jealousy, maliciousness, and outright violence.

Needless to say, television has a major impact and influence on children and adolescents. Three to four hours of television a day is the average for kids in America. More time is spent in front of the tube than in the classroom, by the time a child graduates high school.

Although television can entertain and inform, it does contain many undesirable influences. More time spent reading, doing school work, playing, exercising, interacting with family, social development, and discovering one’s passion will provide greater dividends in the long run.

Much information provided by television is even incorrect. Kids have a tough time differentiating between fantasy and reality. Thousands of commercials, many of which are for alcohol, junk food, fast foods, and toys, bombard our children.

Negative Impact

It’s been discovered that children who watch large amounts of TV exercise less, receive lower grades, tend to be overweight, and read fewer books. Many alternative schools strongly encourage families not to watch TV.

Kids are so impressionable that many behaviors and attitudes portrayed on television can be difficult for them to comprehend. Family education and active parenting can ensure that children have a positive experience with television.

It’s helpful for parents to monitor television viewing, view programs with them, have study time and meals without TV, and select developmentally appropriate shows. Public TV offers many appropriate alternatives, while soap operas, talk shows, and many sitcoms are not desirable.

Discuss programs that you watch together. Highlight positive values such as cooperation, friendship, kindness, and unconditional love. Tie certain programs into places of interest, personal events and history. Talk about the realistic consequences of violence. While television certainly has its drawbacks, it is merely a communication tool that if used wisely and moderately, can add to a well balanced life and development. Click here for the Transforming Child Behavior Home Page.

When done reviewing Soap Operas, click here to return to The Models of Insanity page.

SBI!