Child Development and the Media

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the differences in child rearing techniques from the beginning and mid-nineteenth century and today. It briefly looks at some popular sitcoms which depict both of these eras to explain the role that the media has had in forming different patterns of child rearing and child development.

From the Paper:

"Television commercials constitute a large segment of the media's representation of children. These children are usually the product of suburban households, and show popular trends in their speech and dress. They have a personality that shows an early development of cynicism and too much emphasis on the latest trends. However, they are educated, technologically aware and interested in competitive sports. Very little attention is given in television commercials to the children who may not be interested in these mainstream pursuits. The child who loves books, or plays the piano or enjoys solitary pursuits is usually not represented in this part of the media. However, it must be remembered that commercials are marketing devices, and does not have child development as a part of the agenda. In general, the depiction of childhood in the media is healthy and reflective of the influences of today's society and the advances made in the field of child development."

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