Proverbs 22:6
How media affects kids today
Youth Culture
How does it shape youths?
“Every culture is reflected by its
artists.” Marilyn Manson
• Let’s think about this statement.
• What does this say about our
country and what the artists in it do
and represent and the people that
look up to them as worthy people to
emulate?
Media is everywhere in America
Plugged in
•Ability to stay
connected, wired.
•TV, music, and
games are now very
portable.
•Interact globally
today more than any
other generation.
•Woven into kids
lives.
Generation M
•AKA- Media
•Study 8-18 years old
Average time spent:
•6 hours 21 minutes,
a day interaction
•44.5 hours a week
•26%, more than one
media at a time
In other words:
Kids are living media
saturated lives.
Media’s influence
• It is constantly changing but some
things remain static.
• Develops a child’s perception of life
and reality, shaping them.
• Understand that ALL media has
power of influence, good and bad.
• 1 cultural influence
• Maps out life and reality.
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all
diligence; For out of it are the issues of
life.”
• Teens are adults waiting to happen.
• Want instruction, direction about life,
and media is giving it to them.
Power of media
1960’s
•Family, School,
Friends, and Church.
All were in basic agreement
on morals and rules of
conduct.
1980’s
•Friends, Family,
Media, and School.
Mixed messages, in
confusion, no agreement.
Today
•Media, Friends,
Family, and School.
Dancing in the darkQuentin Schultze
•Electronic media,
and teens need each
other.
•He argues that
media is raising our
kids.
Maps of life
•Suggests:
responses, conduct,
social norms, gender
roles, and
encourages a certain
world view.
•World view=
Framework of ideas and
beliefs through which an
individual interprets the
world and interacts with
it.
•Lens, or model to make
decisions by.
Changing values
• Values and opinions of sex, alcohol,
God, gender norms, authority,
politics, self-image, and violence.
In a sense we are in a war in defense of
our values.
Verses to keep in mind
Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares are in
the way of the perverse: He that keepeth
his soul shall be far from them.
• We need to discipline and protect our
children and show them the right way.
Proverbs 23:19 Hear thou, my son, and
be wise, And guide thy heart in the way.
Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his
own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh
wisely, he shall be delivered.
Media shapes behavior
Art
imitates
life
Life
imitates
art
Imaginary journey
Presents false view of reality
•Reality TV is not
reality.
•Edited tape from
hours of filming.
•After manipulation,
reality the producers
want you to see.
What does God say?
•Beautiful to be
worthwhile.
Inner person:
Proverbs 31:30 &
Matthew 6:28
•Avoid pain and
pursue pleasure at
all costs.
James 1:24
Look to the long
term, process of
betterment.
•Sex is recreational
and there is no
consequence.
Hebrews 13:4
•Use anyone for
anything, step over
them.
Philippians 2:3-4
•Violence is an
acceptable way to
deal with problems.
Luke 6:35
What does God say?
• Get money and hold onto it, it will
solve problems and bring real
happiness.
Matthew 6:33
• Presents icons/heroes not worth
emulating.
“His long legacy as being depicted in the media as a bad
influence on children, along with his seemingly outrageous
styles for which he models, and the controversy
surrounding his lyrics all have led to his more pronounced
public appeal.” (on Marilyn Manson)
What does God say?
Hebrews 13:7
• Presents unrealistic body standards.
Ezekiel 53:2 & 1 Samuel 16:7
Cultivates the boring life syndrome
•
•
•
•
Forgotten how to actively listen
Make their own fun
Enjoy silence
Without media, you have a boring life
Shapes attitude
• Idea of family- dad not important in
sitcoms.
• Meaning found in materialism
Conclusion:
• Be aware of media influences
• Influences all of us
• Learn media discernment
• Lots of media not fit for consumption
Concluding thoughts
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are
honorable, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of
good report; if there be any virtue, and if
there be any praise, think on these things.
• Are you a Christian?
• Do you know what God says it takes
to be a Christian?
Matthew 28:18-20