GARBAGE IN...GARBAGE OUT

June 22, 2001

The latest issue of the American Family Association Journal reported this disturbing information.

Parents who hope that sex-laced television dialogue is flying over their kid’s heads would have been disappointed if they were watching ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) on May 4. That morning news program demonstrated that children as young as seven were not ignorant of sexual content on TV. GMA hosted a room full of boys and girls, ages seven to ten, allowing them to watch a selection of television programming while their parents watched from another room. The children recognized sexual messages and even commented on the trademark tight outfits worn by pop singer Britney Spears. Two boys said the singer wore clothes that made her "look sexy."

If this is the effect that these programs have on this age group, one can only imagine what they are doing to the young people who have reached puberty. The GMA program went on to report studies show that young people exposed to sexual material in media become sexually active earlier in life.

What can parents and grandparents do? Some parents are taking the TV out of their home. They find that they are spending more time with their children instead of watching television. Others may take the remote from their children, which gives the parent control of what or for how long their child is watching TV. Our children may be exposed to this garbage away from our homes, but at least let us provide a decent environment for them while they are in our homes.

The Psalmist penned, "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes" (Psalms 101:3 NKJV).