Perhaps it's time to get involved

Much of what I talk and write about has to do with sheltering our kids from the harmful influences of media. There's a boatload of research to confirm that violent media (TV, movies, videogames) promotes aggressive behaviors and bad attitudes in kids, and that the sexually saturated messages in media influence premature sexuality. Surveys of parents confirm that we believe media causes some of the disrespectful and rude behaviors we see in children, and that moms and dads feel powerless to control the influence of media, especially TV.

Short of pulling the plug and throwing the television into the nearest river, it seems there's not much we can do. Cutting out TV isn’t a realistic option for my family, especially in the midst of NCAA basketball season! But like many families, we're frustrated with TV content generally, including the number of ads we must endure featuring middle aged men, bathtubs, and the words "lasting more than four hours."

Lots of families are using technology to get around the unsavory content that’s so prevalent. At our house, we’re sort of “low tech” – we press the mute button and distract our kids with quick household chores.

But here’s something else we can all do: Join the Parents Television Council.

PTC's mission is to protect the public airwaves from indecent and inappropriate content, especially during so-called "family hours." PTC President Tim Winter spent 20 years in the TV business before joining the cause to improve television fare for his family and ours. He knows the industry from the inside out and he’s working hard to stand as a voice for people who want more wholesome entertainment and less of the flagrant disregard for morality and basic human decency.

Joining PTC --  and even starting or getting involved in a PTC grassroots group --  is one way to take control of more than just your own remote. PTC's Grassroots Director Gavin McKiernan says coalitions of parents and community members can have a strong influence at the local level with locally owned and operated TV stations and the advertisers who keep them in business. Just as importantly, we can make our concerns known to our elected officials who are responsible for the policies that affect our public airwaves.

I don’t know about you, but every time I’m confronted with offensive TV content, I feel violated and powerless. PTC gives us all a way to take control. For a start, visit their web site and sign up for their regular email updates so you can stay informed. (You can join PTC without making a donation, or you can choose to donate it you like). You’ll learn a lot, and what you learn may prompt you to take action.