the slow-moving printed word , and the equally rapid emergence of a new education based on the speed-of-light electronic image . The classroom is , at the moment , still tied to the printed word , although that connection is rapidly weakening … One is entirely justified in saying that the major educational enterprise now being undertaken in the United States is not happening in its classrooms but in the home , in front of the television set , and under the jurisdiction not of school administrators and teachers , but of network executives and entertainers … like the alphabet or the printed press , television has by its power to control the time , attention and cognitive habits of our youth gained the power to control their education .” ( Pg . 145 )
The power referred to above has moved to the online world with people , who go by the actual and unironic title of Influencer , providing the lessons on life and critical thought to the young people who follow them . Some have toxic while others have good intentions , but all are wrapped up in a smooth and slick entertainment package . This is the third parent young people engage with today anytime they venture into the digital world , frequently in the privacy of their bedrooms with headphones on . So , what is to be done ? As previously mentioned , the essential literacy skills learned in school can very easily be applied to breaking down audio / visual content found throughout mass media . With younger people who do not yet have those skills as well developed and defined , a close and cohesive partnership with the parent is essential . In May 2023 , the American Psychology Association published its Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence . One of its recommendations include , “ In early adolescence ( i . e ., typically 10-14 years ), adult monitoring ( i . e ., ongoing review , discussion , and coaching around social media content ) is advised for most youths ’ social media use ; autonomy may increase gradually as kids age and if they gain digital literacy skills .”
In many ways , my own parents did this with me as I explored the greater world around me through the convincing and entertaining audio / visual medium of television . We must do the same for our young ones as they begin to navigate the very influential and all consuming audio / visual digital world before them . If we do not , then we invite them to follow , like , subscribe , or friend the third parent online and be raised by them .
Going back to the beginning , that video on kindness represents some of the good that can be found online , but just like in the real world , we can only know how to identify it after we are taught what to look for and why it is important and valuable . The digital world is obviously here to stay . We must be the ones who teach the youth of today how to find and live that kindness both online and in the real world . •
Notes : Neil Postman , Amusing Ourselves to Death ( Penguin Books , 1985 ). American Psychological Association , Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence ( May 2023 ): https :// www . apa . org / topics / social-media-internet / health-advisoryadolescent-social-media-use . pdf
John Dearie ’ 95 , Director of Secondary School Counseling and Religion Teacher at Saint David ’ s School , holds a master ’ s degree in Public Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University .
6 • Saint David ’ s Magazine