Understanding How Media Affects Teens
Without meaning to, we’ve let our kids fill their minds with intellectual junk food. We’re taught to be careful about what we eat so our bodies stay healthy, but we don’t always think about what we’re feeding our minds. However, how media affects teens (or really anyone) is more important than we tend to realize. Many teens spend the majority of their free time on social media, TV, and whatever they find online.
Why How Media Affects Teens Matters So Much
Adolescence is a stage where teens are heavily influenced by what they read, hear, and see. As parents, it’s our job to guide them toward things that will actually help them grow. This includes everything from TV shows to online content.
You can’t control everything your teen sees, but you can set limits. That might mean not allowing shows with nudity, sexual content, heavy cursing, or drug use—whatever doesn’t match your values. These things are so common now that we’ve become used to them. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
What’s Become “Normal”
For example, I was watching sports a while back and a bra and underwear commercial came on. Years ago, something like that would have actually been considered pornographic. Now, it feels completely normal because we see it so often—even during sports programs families watch together. It’s important to stop and think about whether you’re okay with your teen seeing that kind of content.
How Media Can Affect Teens Positively
So what should your teen be watching or listening to? The answer depends on your values.
In our home we follow the Christian faith, so our kids spend some of their time using apps and content that help them grow in their faith. In my cousin’s family, education and culture were really important. My aunt showed movies to my cousin from different countries to help him learn about other ways of life. These weren’t boring documentaries—just meaningful stories from different perspectives. That intentional choice made a big difference as he grew up.
How Social Media Affects Teens
There also needs to be some kind of limit on social media. How you handle it is up to you. You might limit screen time, or encourage your teen to follow and interact with positive role models in addition to friends.
One good thing about social media is that teens can actually interact with people they look up to. That can be powerful when used the right way.
Setting a Good Example
The last thing to think about is your own habits. When considering how media affects teens, you also need to think about how it affects you. What are you watching? How are you spending your free time? If your teen sees you constantly watching low-quality shows or scrolling instead of doing something meaningful, that sends a message.
If you realize you’re not feeding your own mind well, try making small changes. It’s not always easy, but the example you set can have a huge impact on your kids.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,