In the current era, the media exerts a significant influence on the lives of boys and girls from an early age. Between television shows, online videos, social media and video games, children's exposure to a wide range of media content is constant. This exposure can have a profound impact on their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Given this reality, co-viewing is presented as an important tool for parents and caregivers, allowing them not only to supervise children's exposure to media, but also to promote a more educational and enriching media experience.
The impact of media on childhood
The media plays a crucial role in shaping children's perception of the world. From an early age, children are exposed to images, messages and narratives that influence their development in multiple ways. Television, online games and social media can shape children's attitudes, values and beliefs, as well as influence their behavior and lifestyle.
Studies have shown that frequent exposure to content Violent or inappropriate content in the media can desensitize children to violence, promote aggressive behavior, and affect their ability to empathize with others. Additionally, advertising directed at children can encourage unhealthy consumption patterns and contribute to childhood obesity and other health problems.
The role of parents and caregivers
In the face of potential negative effects of media on childhood, parents and caregivers play a fundamental role in guiding and supervising children's media consumption. Setting clear limits on screen time, the type of content allowed, and online interaction is essential to protecting children from the risks associated with media.
In addition to setting rules , parents can also take advantage of the opportunity to use media as an educational tool. Selecting television programs, games and online applications that encourage learning, creativity and positive values can enrich children's media experience and contribute to their overall development.
The concept of co-viewing
Co-viewing, or co-viewing in English, refers to the practice of adults and children viewing and discussing media content together. This strategy not only allows parents to monitor what their children are watching, but also gives them the opportunity to actively participate in the media experience and promote critical and reflective consumption.
During co-viewing, parents Adults can ask questions, explain concepts, discuss ethical and moral values, and foster a deeper understanding of the content presented. By providing additional context and guidance, parents can help children develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and discernment in the face of the media information they receive.
Benefits of co-viewing
Co-viewing offers a number of benefits for both children and parents. For children, this practice can contribute to a greater understanding of the world around them, promote language development, stimulate creativity, and foster problem-solving skills. In addition, co-viewing can strengthen the bond between parents and children, while providing the opportunity to establish an open and honest dialogue about difficult or controversial topics present in the media.
For their part, parents Parents can use co-viewing as a tool to monitor the content their children are exposed to and proactively address any concerns or questions that may arise. This practice facilitates open communication and the construction of relationships of trust between parents and children, creating a space conducive to joint reflection on the values and messages transmitted by the media.
Tips for an effective practice of co-viewing
To get the most out of co-viewing, it is important to follow some key recommendations that promote a constructive and enriching media experience for children:
1. Select appropriate content
Choosing programs, movies or games appropriate for the age and maturity of children is essential to ensure a positive experience. Checking age ratings, reading reviews, and previewing content before sharing it with children can help avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure content is educational and enriching.
2. Establish clear rules
Defining rules regarding screen time, allowed platforms, and content restrictions is essential to maintaining balance and quality in children's media experience. Setting limits early on and explaining the reason behind the rules helps children understand the importance of control and supervision.
3. Actively Participate
Co-viewing involves more than simply being present while children consume media. Adults must be actively involved in the experience, posing questions, generating discussions and stimulating critical reflection. Being attentive to children's reactions and answering their questions constructively contributes to greater learning and understanding of the content.
4. Encourage dialogue
Creating an open and welcoming environment to discuss topics covered in the media is essential so that children feel comfortable expressing their opinions, doubts and emotions. Encouraging dialogue without judgment, actively listening to children's perspectives, and offering additional information when necessary strengthens the relationship and promotes a rich exchange.
Conclusions
In a media-saturated world of communication, co-viewing is presented as a key strategy to help children navigate safely and consciously through media content. By offering parents the opportunity to actively participate in their children's media experience, co-viewing strengthens the relationship between parents and children, encourages critical learning, and promotes positive values.
Establish open and honest dialogue about the media, carefully selecting the content shared and actively participating in the media experience are practices that can significantly contribute to the comprehensive development of children and the construction of a healthy relationship with the media.