Teens and Media

We live in a culture that is saturated with media—music, television, video games, books, magazines, social media. All of it is available instantaneously on palm-sized machines without regard to our physical locations. Numerous research studies have been conducted and replicated throughout recent years pertaining to the effects of media on our children and adolescents. These studies have found that media profoundly impacts attitudes, beliefs, and actions—typically in a negative manner.  What are the predominant lessons being taught? Violence is acceptable. Females are objects. Profanity and verbal put-downs are the norm. Our bodies (both male and female) aren’t good enough unless they conform to an unrealistic set of parameters that define “perfection.”

Some might say that the way to combat the negative messages is to just turn it off or to limit the access. While these strategies sound like common sense, they are extremely difficult to enforce given how media-saturated our society is today.  These strategies also do not replace the negative messages.  Why not take these negative messages, teach the teens how to critically examine them, and turn it towards a more positive outcome? That’s exactly what our “Teen Talk” curriculum strives to do.

Teen Talk originally started more than a decade ago. Initially, the methodology behind it was developed as a way to draw adolescent females out and open them up to discuss the tough topics of sexual assault and dating violence. Getting teens to talk about these issues can be more difficult than climbing Mt. Everest.  We chose to use music that the teens could relate to in order to open discussions. This one simple thing worked so much better than anticipated.  As a result, the Teen Talk program has evolved into an entire curriculum that engages not only adolescent females, but the males as well.

Teen Talk utilizes popular media (mostly music and videos) to engage teens in exploring concepts of sexual assault, dating violence, healthy relationships, self esteem, body image and so much more. The media is picked apart as teens share their interpretations of the messages being presented. We discuss, examine, and apply those messages to life as they see it.  Not only do they participate in groups, but the information sticks. We have teens who can distinctly recall groups that happened months ago. It is not uncommon for the adolescents to express just how much the groups have encouraged them to look at things from a different angle. Even better, group members will suggest specific media to explore. The suggestions are usually accompanied by explanations that show critical thinking and application of the concepts that we have taught. The Teen Talk program has enabled us to harness the power of media to influence teens to make healthy choices for themselves rather than just blindly absorbing the abundance of messages that normalize abuse and violence. 

If you are interested in bringing the Teen Talk program to your school, group, or organization, contact Crystal at 570-523-1134.

Written by: Crystal S.