The Effects of Television and Social Media on Children and What We Need to Do

Abstract

Television and social media become an inseparable part of our daily lives. Even though these media organs have many beneficial effects, there are also many harmful effects on children. They may influence children in a very negative way and have many harmful consequences. The families are ill-equipped to deal with this problem and only they can effectively deal with the issue. Therefore, it is important for schools and health institutions to put an emphasis on media education and develop public awareness about that. The harmful effects of the media can only be stopped if there is a national policy for prevention and protection from it. Hence, citizens and non-profit organizations can create a nationwide awareness, which by doing that they should be able to put pressure on the government and prompt a policy change. On the other hand, television channels and social media providers should be encouraged and pressured to behave responsibly. This constitutes a social and public health problem so that should be considered an interest of everyone and every segment of society.