Background+Information

=__MEDIA WORLDWIDE__ = ===-Many researchers believe tha media affects the lives of teens negatively more than positively. Due to the different messages brought upon the media, people, especially teens, adapt to the information they receive and engage in harmful, unsafe life styles. These harmful, unsafe life styles would include eating disorders, suicide, violence, abuse of drugs, and many others, usually leading into the abuse of oneself. === ===-In a study conducted by specialists in youth and society, "it was proven that the popular media, which includes televion, magazines, radio, etc., have, since World War II, increasingly held up a thinner and thinner body image as the ideal for women." === === [] === == Media is all around us, its no wonder we as humans accept it!!! ==

=== Violence in the media, whether it is reflected in music, cartoons, wrestling shows or movies, can desensitize children to the effects of violence, legitimizes and glorifies violence and increases aggressive behavior in those who watch it on TV or the Internet. One must remember that there are more significant factors, such as child abuse, domestic violence, gangs in the neighborhood, that are likely desensitize people to violence or increase violent behavior. ===

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===-Many people around the world already know that media influences the lives of many especially adolescents. === ===-With the caution of media, there are some who are trying to make a difference by either creating non-profit organizations or just spreading the word around. === ===-Spreading the word does not always mean a change will come around and that is the reason why worldwide, people are trying to make a difference. ===

=**__SUGGESTIONS PROVIDED GLOBALLY FOR USING THE MEDIA SAFELY FOR TEENS AND CHILDREN__** =

-When it is meal time, separate media from the meals.
===-When doing homework, do not watch the television or use any type of media that will distract you from progressing with your studies. === ===-Do not spend a whole portion of your day on media. Suggestions are to spend 1-2 hours, at least, watching television. === ===-Limit use of media in your room. Once your limit has been reached, be active with non-media things. === ===-Visitors to your home should be aware of your family’s rules concerning media. === ===<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">-When watching/listening to media, pay attention to the messages to determine whether they are meant for people your age or they are just a bunch of unrealistic information. === ===<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">-Separate fiction from reality and don’t get caught up on the misinformation given off by things in the media. Remember, it is all around you and many things can be perceived as real, yet you are being misinformed. ===