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 4:23Proverbs 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 media1960’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 dark- Quentin 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 mindProverbs 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 thoughtsPhilippians 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