Helping Kids Make Smart Media Choices.

One of the more interesting conversations I have with people is regarding what media they will allow their children to watch, read, or surf.

In the next few days I'll share some of the best guideline I have come across as I have listened, read, and reflected on this topic which is close to the heart of parents.

Guideline #1: Teach how to see the STORY not the SCENE.

The story is what comes in through the back door when you have the front door barricaded and secure.  Doesn't mean the story is bad - just means it is the real message being communicated and you cannot disarm it. 

The scene is two ridiculously strong men wrestling violently in a ring.

The story is about the acceptence of perpetual adolesence and a 'win at all costs' mentality.

The scene is three cartoon children finding their way home.

The story is about how ridiculous and bumbling adult authority figures are.

The scene is an athlete jumping into the arms of fans after a touchdown.

The story is some people are worth a whole lot more than others.

The scene is about women not being able to teach in public.

The story is about the liberation of all people to be who God made them to be.

Maturity is the ability to focus on the story not the scene.

Practically, this means parents need to begin having conversations about "what the whole thing" is about (story) instead of focusing on different parts of the whole (scene). 

Question:  What "story" do Christian radio stations tell?  The "scenes" are inoffensive but what "story" comes in through the back door.?

Comments

[Smither]

Probably roughly the same as a Christian school.

[Nathan]

The potential is there and this is a timely comment given the changes happening at Westpark School. If I were to summarize the Leadership Team's dreams for the school it would be along the lines of teaching students to recognize the story instead of obsessing about the scene.

However, if the medium is the message, then it is more than just changing the curriculum, it involves changing the philosophy from fortress to buttress.