Teachable Media Moments

How many times have you walked into a room just in time to hear an underage TV character make a comment about drinking beer? How many times have you changed the channel when a character joked about “smoking a joint” or having a “one-night stand”? Television, music, and advertisements flood children with messages that may go against what that they have heard at home and school. Some messages teach kids that alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs are dangerous; other messages make drugs and alcohol look cool.

The good news is that you can use messages from the media—TV, music, and ads—to talk with your kids about tough issues like alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Even talking during commercials can help promote a positive relationship with your child. In many ways, these “teachable moments” may be more effective than long, planned discussions—when kids are likely to tune out. Here are a few opportunities for you to capture teachable moments with your children:

Television

Stay tuned—don’t flip the channel right away or cover your children’s eyes when they’re watching questionable material. Use it to start a conversation.

If you are watching TV with your 8-year-old and marijuana is mentioned on a program, you might ask, “Do you know what marijuana is? It’s a bad drug that can hurt your body.” If your child has more questions, answer them. If not, let it go. Short, simple comments said and repeated often enough will get the message across.

You can offer your older child the same message, but add more specific information. For example, you might explain to your 12-year-old what marijuana and crack look like, their street names, and how they can affect her body. For more information on drugs, their effects, and street names, visit our Drug Facts and Drug Slang Dictionary pages.

Music

Youth, especially teens, are into their tunes. When you’re in a car together, give them a chance to choose the radio station—even if you hate their selection! Use the music to open a conversation: “What do you like so much about this music?” “What do you think those lyrics mean?” “What’s the singer like in real life?” Finding out what your kids like about music will help open the door to discuss many hot topics, including alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

Advertisements

Kids today are bombarded with ads from companies that want children’s business. When you pass a billboard advertising cigarettes or see the latest beer commercial during sports programs, talk about them with your child. What is the ad selling? Does your child believe it? Discuss what the ad may not be telling him.

The media’s influence on your child is great, but your influence as a parent is even greater. Use the media as a teaching tool and capture a few teachable moments with your child.

Additional Resources

• Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States: Families Are Talking: Teens Talk About TV, Sex, and Real Life
• Advocates for Youth: Talking With TV: A Guide To Starting Dialogue With Youth (A print version of this publication was released in 2001.)