On average, the American child is in the company of his parent about 17 hours per week, with the media about 35 hours per week. Of the two, parent and media, which is more entertaining to the child, and which more critical to his social and emotional development?
Our children are being nurtured and guided by machines — modern media delivery systems – and the media they deliver. They have taken over the parenting functions that once were performed by human beings.
This may sound like a horror movie plot from the 1950s, but it is a twenty-first century reality. All too often, well-meaning parents have abdicated their roles as nurturers, caregivers, teachers, confidantes, guides, and role models—leaving TV, videogames, movies, smart phones, and the internet to fill in. And our children are paying the price. Continue reading →