Media and the Child

Magazines, radio, movie, billboards, internet and television, these are all part of a little thing called media. Media can be found in every little aspect of life. Although media allows us to connect to anyone in the world, it can cause problems for our children. According to the New York Times, “Media has a variety of negative health impacts on children and teens.” Children and young adult spend thousands upon thousands of hours each year just watching television, movies, even looking threw magazines. But sadly this is unhealthy for them to do. Small children and young adults can suffer both long term and short term problems because of to much exposure to mass media, and in the end it is up to the parent to stop this from occurrence.

Saturday morning cartoons, these are cartoons generated just for children to give them something to do on a long Saturday morning. However spending too much time in front of the television is negative for a child. According to the Neuro Psychiatry Reviews, “Researchers have found that television exposure in children ages 1 to 3 is associated with attention problems at age 7” (Strong). Attention problems can range from Attention Deficit disorder (ADD), Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to just having a hard time paying attention to what is going on in the classroom. Although excessive amount of television watching is not a direct cause of these attention problems, there is a strong correlation between the two. This correlation is not only found in young children, but in order children as well. “Furthermore, the investigators concluded that each hour of television watched per day increases these children’s risk of attention problems, such as attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), by almost 10% at age 7” (Strong). Children that spend their majority at home time in front of the television are prone to having attention problems later on in life. The attention problems can lead to problems learning in school, and in turn can cause them to fall behind in class, if not treated. The best thing to do for the child is to turn off the television and spend some personal time with them. This can cause a stronger relationship between the parent and child, as well as helping them develop key skills they needs for adulthood.


The negative effects of television continue long into adolescences. Media gives adolescences a false sense of what they should look like. “The implication of childhood exposure to the mass media, which portrays these particular images of body size and shape, are concerning as there is an increase probability of the child becoming discontent with his or her body if his or her appearance differs from the so-called norm” (Lawrie). Media glamorizes beauty, and this beauty is unreachable for adolescence. Adolescences in turn ends up having a negative image of their body, and feel that in order to be happy or beautiful they must reach these unnecessary standards. Because of this there are a high number of adolescence having eating disorders. “Boys and girls aged 9 to 14 years showed that children who were trying to imitate the appearance of same sex media personalities were more likely to develop weight concerns and become constant dieters” (Lawrie). These individuals are dieting at the age of 9 to 14 in order to fulfill a body image that is unreachable. These dieting practices can lead to health problems later in life, as well as the individual having a negative body image long into adulthood.

The best thing for children, no matter the age, is for them is to turn off the television, and participate in other fulfilling activities. More interaction between the adult and the child is always greatly appreciated by the child. Along with this appreciation, a strong bond is created, and this will always be beneficial in life. As the child gets older and into their adolescence years, the parent one must talk to their child about the realistic body image. But engaging with the child about the topic, the adolescence can build confidence and acceptance about themselves. All in all, the best thing for children and adolescence is spending time with the parent, either discussing issue regarding media or partaking in other fulfilling activities. This time will be long lasting and rewarding for both of the involved.

Resources

Lawrie,Z. Sullivan, E. A.Davies,P.S. W. Hill R.J. “Media Influence on the Body Image of Children and Adolescents.” Eating Disorders, 14:355-364. 2006. Taylor and Francis Group.

Stelter,Brian. “Report Ties Children’s Use of Media to Their Health.” Dec 2 2008. New York Times. www.nytimes.com

Strong, Colby. “Is Excessive Television Viewing in Children Linked to ADHD?” Neuro Psychiatry Reviews. www.neuropsychiatryreviews.com/may04/npr_may04_excessiveTV.html

Troubled Youth

Gangs can be found in every culture or race. According to NCJS (National Criminal Justice Reference Service) there are over 24,500 gangs alone in the United States. Gangs are considered to be a group of 3 or more individuals that come together and share a common identity. Surprisingly gangs appeal to juveniles and this has been an on going problem for many years. “Youth groups known as gangs are certainly not inventions of twentieth century American society, for such groups have existed since at least the early fourteenth and fifteenth centuries in Europe” (Shelden) In the twentieth century the major reason for juveniles to join gangs is due to child maltreatment, and its up to the community to help put a stop to these gangs.

As talked about earlier maltreatment causes the juvenile to partake in criminal behavior, in some cases this behavior leads too much more then just delinquency. The maltreatment of juvenile is another major reason why juveniles turn to gangs. The book entitled “Youth Gangs in American Society” states “Studies have shown that gang members have plenty of experience with violence while growing up. Such youths have seen and been victimized by violence in their homes and in their communities.” Juveniles that are used to being victimized in their home, now feel comfortable with violence in their everyday life. Youth gangs are known for thier violence that they cause, maltreatment in the home predisposes juveniles to the violence that they will encounter in gangs. This causes the juvenile to not raise objections to the violence that occurs in gangs. “Gang youths accepted violence as the normal and appropriate way to resolve minor and major disputes. These youths have come to believe that there is no nonviolent method for dealing with daily disputes and other problems in life” (Shelden). Gang members use violence to resolve issues not only between members, but between other gangs as well. This is a normal occurrence for these juveniles, thus juveniles do not resist this aspect of gang life.

Violence is a big part of gang life and the gang environment, juveniles the spawn from maltreated homes don’t question this behavior. But what makes these juveniles create their final decision and jump into gangs? According to the Shelden there are several different items that help in this decision making, again all of these can be linked back to child maltreatment. The first one is that of material reason, juveniles feel that joining gangs increases their finical chances. Unfortunately this is finical gain is threw criminal activities. Most juveniles that partake in gangs come from a low income or single parent home. In many cause this leads to the neglecting of the juvenile. Once the juvenile understands that they are in a low income home, they will strive to obtain finical stability that is not provided for them. This comes easily to gang members because of the criminal behavior that they participate in. Next is recreation, when gangs provide juveniles with something to do once again can be linked back to neglect. Juveniles need to be entertained, with parents that are not around for their children, these children have little guidance and little activities to keep them busy, gangs provided them with this entertainment. A place of refuge and camouflage is next up on our list. Gangs provide their members protection and identity. Again going back to that neglected juvenile, gangs provided the juvenile with a sense of identity, that could have other wised be found in the home. Physical protection is a major part of juveniles becoming gang affiliated. In low income neighborhoods crime can be found almost everywhere. This includes crime against individuals, such as robbery or even car jacking. Gang member normally unite in groups, this group gives a single individual protection from these personal crimes. Subsequently gangs can be seen as a way of resistance. Children in maltreated homes despise their parents, thus they will do what they can to avoid becoming like them. Some feel that gangs are an opportunity to resist becoming like their parents. This can be linked to the first financial gain, juveniles feel that with better finances they will be able to further or better themselves, far more then their parents.

Juvenile gangs and gang affiliation is just one more detrimental effect of child maltreatment. Neglect is the one key maltreatment that is echoed threw juveniles gang involvement. As a community it is up to us to help these juveniles. One major way for this is after school programs, “or a safe structured activities that convene regularly in the hours after school and offer activities to help children lean new skills, and develop into responsible adults” (Youth). These programs can lead children to be accountable, either to the program or to the adults that may work there. The parenting style normally affiliated with child neglect is the uninvolved parent, again this parenting style cause the child to lack accountability and responsibilities. After school programs are just one way to help put these back into place.

Resources

National Criminal Justice Reference Service. “OJJDP Fact Sheet.” Feb 2004 http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/fs200204.pdf

Shelden,Randall. Tracy,Sharon.Brown,William. Youth Gangs in American Society. Thomson Wadsworth. United States. 2004

Youth Violence Prevention. “After school Programs Fact Sheet.” ttp://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/facts/afterschool.asp

Sentencing Juveniles

Sentencing and jail expense has been a long hard topic for not only California but for the US in general. One major debate is the cost of incarceration. California is no stranger to this, they have even looked at the release of non violent offenders. But what most fails to recognize is that juvenile detention centers fall into the expense of incarceration. According to ABC news there are nearly 100,000 kids in the America’s juvenile system. States such as Texas, Florida, Michigan, New York and California have outsourced this duty the main company taking charge of this duty, Wackenhut Corrections Corporation. Although this is maybe cost effect for the state, this is nothing more but damaging the juveniles that are inside it. Juveniles need much more then just a babysitting facility, they need to be rehabilitated so they can become a healthy member of society.

Many juvenile correction centers are outsourced to large companies. Wackenhut Correction Corporation possesses about 18 of these juvenile centers. Wackenhut calms to be “the leading provider of quality, customer focused security solution in the United States.” Wackenhut also goes on to state they have “earned an excellent reputation over the years because of the integrity and professionalism of its corporate, regional and local operations.” But how true are these statements? According to CBS news these statements are completely false. These faculties are unhealthy and detrimental for the juvenile. CBS took and interest into the Wackenhut Corrections Corporation. It went behind the slogans, and logos, and interviewed the juveniles that lived behind bars. One major problem is said to be the faculties’ employees. “Most guards have no experience. Often Wackenhut didn’t check their backgrounds. Some guards hired for Jena [juvenile center] had Criminal records.” At juvenile centers juveniles are incarcerated, just like adults. With adult faculties the officers and guards that work at there must have full background investigation done. This background ensures that there is a standard to who is in control. When a private company takes on the job the state normally regulates, standardized policies may go out the door. With lack of policies and regulations, criminal activity can occur. CBS also went on to report that guards were witnesses smoking marijuana and partaking in sex with inmates. A juvenile center’s main purpose is rehabilitation, if guards are allowing juveniles to still continue partaking in criminal behavior, then nothing is being accomplished from these centers.

But CBS news is not the only one who has voiced the concerns for the juvenile inmates. In 2000 CNN took up interested in Wackenhut as well. In their article one former inmate states that the detention centers are “horrific physical and mental abuse.” A correction facility in general should never be abusive. But for juveniles, abuse can be harmful to their rehabilitation processes. Most of the time the juveniles that commit crime, are the juveniles that have experienced abuse in their homes. For a correction facility to be abusive, this is reinforcing this behavior on the juveniles. The article also goes on to report that Wackenhut Corrections Corporation juvenile facility is abusing and neglecting the juveniles. Again both abuse and neglect are part of maltreatment, this is just reinforcing negative behavior into our juveniles.

The main reason for juvenile detention centers should be to rehabilitate our juveniles. This gives the juveniles a chance to go out into the world and become a healthier person. Although outsourcing juvenile detention centers is cost effective to the state, this is not working for our juveniles. Missouri on the other hand has a great view for juvenile detention centers. At Waverly Regional Youth Center juveniles are “divided into small teams and undergo constant group therapy and emotional self-examination” (Diaz). This therapy gives juveniles exactly what they need, a way to work threw their emotional problems that are causing them to be delinquent. This should be a mold for all other detention centers. Missouri has reported that only 10 percent of their juveniles that go threw this correction facility will end up in an adult prison within three years of release. On the other hand in other states this number is nearly 40 percent. Since abuse and maltreatment are the leading causes of juveniles offenders, these programs help juveniles to work threw these issues, and in turn is the key for them to become successful.

Juvenile’s detention centers should be more then just a babysitting program, they should be able to rehabilitate the juvenile. By doing that juveniles are given the option to go back into society and become a better, non criminal, person. Outsourcing juvenile correction centers does help the state with the finical crises that it is under. Wackenhut Corrections Corporation holds the contract of juvenile detention centers, but with numerous lawsuits and no rehabilitation program in place, these facilities are detrimental to our juvenile population. Juvenile detention centers should stay with the state, just as any other correctional facility. In addition to this, mandatory therapy and counseling sections should be in place for juveniles. The effects of theses programs are apparent, and to have our juveniles become successful in society they need to be done.

Resources
Diaz, Joseph. “Justice Department Missouri Sets New Standard for Juvenile Detention Innovative Facilities for Kid Criminals Are Short on Guards and Long on Hugs.” ABC News Primetime. Sept 6 2009. http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/missouri-sets-standard-juvenile-detention/story?id=8510425

CBS News. “Locked Inside A Nightmare One Inmate Says She Was Raped Repeatedly.” May 2000. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2000/05/09/60II/main193636.shtml

CNN. “Justice Department sues over conditions at Louisiana juvenile center.” March 30, 2000. http://archives.cnn.com/2000/US/03/30/dangerous.jail/index.html

Wackenhut. “About Wackenhut.” http://www.g4s.com/

Parental Control

Every parent wants nothing more then to see their child happy and successful, as parents we play a large roll in this. Children learn how to react and respond to their environment, and threw this they can learn how to handle different situations they may come cross in their daily lives. The first place this learning experience take place is with in the home and it is biased on what kind of parent we are. One major requirement missing from our society is the lack of parenting style information should be mandatory for parent to have. There are four general parenting styles, Authoritarian, permissive parenting, Authoritative and Uninvolved parenting. The parenting styles are as follows (Van)

• Authoritarian Parenting: With this kind of parent the child never gets a stable set of rules and boundaries, and once these unknown limits are crossed harsh punishment it put into place. This does not allow for open communication between the child and the parent. Since the Parents are unresponsive to the child’s needs and are quick to discipline, this causes these children to often be unhappy, fearful, and anxious.
• Permissive Parenting: This is the parent that gives the child anything they child wants. This parent has little to no rules and no boundaries. Because of this the child has little self control and is normally immature.
• Authoritative Parenting: authoritative parents have set rules and guidelines that their children are expected to follow. This type of parent is will listen to the child and allow open communication between, this in turn helps set up a give and take relationship.
• Uninvolved Parenting: An uninvolved parent is just that, a parent that is no involved with their child. The parent has few demands, and little communication. This parent only gives the child its basic needs.

Each of these parenting styles causes the child to react in different ways. The first example is authoritarian parenting, these children are normally well mannered and behaved, but in turn are unhappy and have low self esteem and low social skills. Next is the permissive parenting, here children are more likely to have problems following orders and dealing with authority. This in turn causes them to have poor performance in school, work and any other establish institution. One could say the children to the uninvolved parents are always going to be the problem children; unfortunately with this parenting style there really is no way around it. Here the children lack self-esteem, low social skills and are normally can not be controlled. After all of this comes the authoritative parenting, here children are normally happy capable and successful (Van ). The typical parent is unaware of the different parenting styles and the harm that some may bring.

As I have stated before, children to do come with manuals, as a first time parent you must weigh things out and hope you get it right. By making it mandatory for parents to have this information, maybe it can not only help the parent with the struggles of parenthood, but also help more children become happy and successful. Some parents may not understand the effects of their parenting styles on their children until it is too late, and the effects are already set into place. By having parents receive this information, may be the first step in helping this process. Maltreatment can come from some of these parenting styles, and as stated before, maltreatment can lead the juvenile to delinquency.

Some say that teenagers today are out of control, they talk back, they have no respect for authority … ect. These children’s behavior stems from how their parents raised them. If parents had knowledge of what they needed to do to and the steps that they needed to have a successful and happy child, then hopefully they would make the effort to do so. In the long run the mandatory information provided to parents may help not only our children, but our communities as well. If parents can deter their children from acting out, and disobeying authority, this may once again help to have better moral in our society.

Resources

Van Wagner, Kendra. Parenting StylesThe Four Styles of Parenting. http://psychology.about.com/od/developmentalpsychology/a/parenting-style.htm

Abuse and Crime

Crime, arrest, juvenile correction center, these are all things a parent does not want to hear. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2006 there were 885,245 children that were victims of abuse and there were over 2,000,000 cases of delinquency crimes. There is an undeniable correlation between child abuse and juvenile delinquency. In other words, juveniles that come from an unstable and are maltreated environment are more likely to partake in criminal behavior.

Child maltreatment is a growing problem for our society. Child maltreatment in a nutshell is any form of child abuse this can be physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, parental substance abuse and abandonment. (child) CBS news reported that since this economical recession, and with the funding for prevention drying up, child abuse is only foreseen to get worse. This abuse is a shown to be a key factor in juvenile crime. “Child Maltreatment (e.g. physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect) that occurs at some point prior to age 18 is a risk factor for delinquency” (Thornberry). Child maltreatment is show as on of the leading factors in juvenile delinquency. Although this is a proven fact, the main question is why? Why is it that children that are victims of maltreatment are more likely to offend? There are a few different ideas to explore.

Juveniles become criminals due to child maltreatment. According to the study “Does child abuse cause crime?” Janet Currie states one theory behind this is the social learning theory. This theory is said that an individual will learn criminal behavior from other parties and in turn mimics them. If the child see’s delinquent behavior and they see that this behavior is rewarding, and then they will mimic these delinquent behaviors. This behavior can be the abuse of control over others and the gaining of material items or power, from this control. An example of this is why a child is being physically abused, they may in response abuse another them self. When a child is abused, they become powerless against their attacker. But when the child abuses they get back the sense of power and control was lost then their abuser. By gaining this back, they get a satisfied feeling from this behavior, and this causes them to keep abusing.

Juveniles that are maltreated use other forms behavior to deal with this abuse. Most turn to what is called risky behavior, or behavior that has a high risk of cause the individual harm. This risky behavior roots them into delinquency. “childhood experiences [child mal] increases the risk for depressed affect, suicide attempts, multiple sexual partners, sexually transmitted diseases, smoking, and alcoholism” (Currie). These behaviors acts as an escape from the maltreatment that comes with there home life. But at the same time, these behaviors are illegal, and can cause them harm. This is just one more reason why maltreatment and juvenile delinquency go hand and hand.

There is no way around it; child maltreatment is a cause for concern. Not only is the act it self harming the child, but it causes the child to partake in delinquent behavior. In order for a child to grow properly they need the help of family and a healthy community. “Strong institutions, such as family, religion, and education, are needed to place some limits on us. But the failure of these institutions can be seen in out high crime rates” (Shelden). Unfortunately this delinquent behavior continues long into adulthood. If we as a community do nothing about this growing problem, juvenile delinquency will continue to grow, and along with seeing a rise in criminal activities, we will see a decline in society moral.

Resources
CBS News. “Child Abuse Spikes During Recession” www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/20/business/childofrecession/main5029133.shtml
Child Welfare Information Gateway. http://www.childwelfare.gov/
Currie,Janet, Tekin,Erdal.”Does child abuse cause crime?”Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. Georgia State University. 2006
Shelden,Randall. Tracy,Sharon.Brown,William. Youth Gangs in American Society. Thomson Wadsworth. United States. 2004
Thornberry,Terence. Huizinga,David.Loeber Rolf. “The Cause and Correlates Studies: Findings and Policy Implication” www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/203555/jj2.html
U.S. Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/09s0328.pdf

The Greatest Game Known to Man, or Children.

Children can normally get involved in team sports at the age of three and can continue the sport threw adulthood. Team sports can include soccer, gymnastics and T-ball. These sports are a great form of physical activity and self esteem boosters. Along with these great advantages, a sport also gives parents the opportunity to model respect and sportsmanship to their children. All in all team sports are an vital part of a child’s building block.

Obesity is a growing problem for children in the United States, according to the CDC childhood obesity has more then doubled from the mid seventies to today. Team sports are a great fun filled way to get children to exercise and help prevent obesity. CDC stated in their website “Participating in physical activity is important for children and teens as it may have beneficial effects not only on body weight, but also on blood pressure and bone strength." Physical activity is found in team sports, and practice for these sports normally once to twice a week. In turn having a child participate in team sports ensures they are physically active for at least once or twice a week. Although children need physical activity at least once a day, this is a great option for activity. Physical activities is not only needed in children, but adults are in need of it as well.The CDC also goes on to say "Physically active children are also more likely to remain physically active throughout adolescence and possibly into adulthood.” Children that are involved in team sports normally continue not only physical activities, but the sport as well. Having children involved in team sports is not only helps their physical health now, but is important to their long term physical health as well.

Physical activity is not the only thing children get from participating in team sports. Team sports are a great self esteem booster, which all children need. “Evidence suggests that when properly used, physical activity can provide positive benefits to physical self-esteem and at the same time facilitate the most desirable forms of motivation” (Whitehead). In team sport children must learn how to complete a movement or activity, in order to help them succeed in the sport. Once this is done children are gratified for there accomplishment of learning, causing a self esteem buster. Being encouraged and gratified causes a virtuous self image. Self esteem is a key factor in life. The NNCC (National Network for Child Care ) touched down on this in their website they stated “How you feel about yourself affects how you act. How children feel about themselves affects the way they act.” If children have low self esteem they will have problems not only in a social setting, but in the school and home environment as well. If an individuals self esteem is not raised by the time they reach adulthood, these problems will continue. The self esteem booster that children get from team sports again is another necessary part of life.

Team sports are an essentral role in a child's development, but just as in everything else there can be some developmental disasters. One of these is the parents show lack of respect and poor sportsmanship at the sport event. “NASO [National Association of Sports Officials] receives more than 100 reports annually that involve physical contact between coaches, players, fans and officials” (NASO). Some parents get to competitive in youth sport. The parent in turn gets upset and either yelling or act out in physical violence. This negative behavior is detrimental to the child's development and outlook on sports. On the other hand parent’s behavior can also be a great development tool. If parent show respect and good sportsmanship for each other before, during and after the game children in turn learn this behavior as well.This respect and showing good sportsmanship is dearly needed in life. It is good to teach children this behavior while they are young, so they will continue it as adults. Learning respect and sportsmanship is just another wonderful aspect of having children in team sports.

Team sports are a great way to keep a child physically active as well as boosting their self esteem. These two things are essential accepts not only in children but adults as well. Yes at times parent’s competitive behavior is detrimental to the child's growth, but if done right parents are given the chance to be a great role model. All in all children get positive feed back from team sports. Team sports are a vital part of growth and development for children.

Resources

CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www. cdc.gov

NASCO, National Association of Sports Officials www.naso.org/sportsmanship/badsports.html

NNCC. National Network for Child Care. http://www.nncc.org/homepage.html

Whitehead, James R.; Corbin, Charles B. Self-esteem in children and youth: The role of sport and physical education. The physical self: From motivation to well-being. Fox, Kenneth R. (Ed). (1997). The physical self: From motivation to well-being. (pp. 175-203). Champaign, IL, US: Human Kinetics. xiii, 329 pp.

DISCRIMINATION AND CHILDREN

It is said that the United Stated is home to equality, that everyone can obtain the American dream, no matter what race, gender or age they maybe. Unfortunately this is not completely true. Discrimination, or the making of a distinction in, a person or thing based on differences, stands in the way of this equality. One way that can be help to make the further equality, is by teaching children about differences in people and how to handle these differences. Doing this will cause our children to become more accepting of these differences, and in turn will cause less discrimination.
One major reason for discrimination to be a continuous problem is the fact that people do not fully understand the differences in others. These differences can cause individuals to shy away from one another, or treat one another in a different way. Discrimination can be seen in young children, this is shown by the way the children will separate themselves from others. 3- to 6-year-old children are in the preoperational stage of thinking in which they focus on what they can see. Preschoolers are likely to form opinion based on observable characteristics, material possessions, or preferences (Levitch). At this age children set each other apart from others, based on differences. Because of this children may begin to ask questions to why one individual is different from them. The answer to these questions may hold the key in to the destruction of discrimination.
Children rely on parents, teachers and there other adults to help them interpret the world. One major way for children to learn about their world is by asking questions. They ask questions about things they do not understand. Children that have unanswered questions about race, gender, disability and sexuality will come to their own conclusion (Levitch). These conclusions may not be correct and in some ways may be harmful. This is because children do not have the capabilities to come to a logical conclusion about items they do not understand. If an adult ignores, or does not explain why people are different, then children will form an illogical conclusion. This conclusion maybe harmful and can cause the children to treat the other individual different. On the other hand if an adult takes the time to explain, in a non discriminatory manner, the differences between people, then the children have a better outlook and understanding about differences. This understanding will in turn cause them to discriminate and accept others more.

Resource

Levitch, Alison.”Reducing stereotyping in the preschool classroom.” Information for Child Care Providers. http://extension.missouri.edu/hes/childcare/reducestereotype.htm

*Children and Childhood*

Unfortunately child do not come with handbooks, being a mother of a rambunctious two year old, I understand that sometimes a little guidance is needed. This is where the study of childhood development may help. Children come into this world as blank slates, their family and the community molds them into different members of society. By studding childhood development, we can understand the changes that occur from birth to adolescence. This allows individuals to understand action that at times may be frustrating or confusing. With the understanding of childhood development, we can take steps to ensure that our children grow up in a constructive and encouraging environment.