It was never a good idea to allow children to watch TV without parental supervision or input, but increasingly, it is becoming a really bad idea.

 

In October, the TV series Andi Mack became the 1st Disney series to have an openly gay character as Cyrus – a 13-year-old boy– confided that he experienced romantic feelings for males. It was the most recent “gay moment” for Disney, which last June aired The Lodge where a character came out as homosexual.

 

Though, it isn’t just a gay issue that ought to concern parents.

 

Research by Parents TV Council in 2016 discovered that since the year 1997, G-rated primetime TV programs had been pretty much eliminated and the TV-PG programs decreased by 38% – with the amount of TV-14 programs soaring. In the meantime, weapon-associated violence rose by 17% from 2011 – 2014 and nudity increased 93% within that same frame of time. Undoubtedly, foul language is also on the rise.

 

However, we do not need research to confirm what parents probably already know: Television content is rottener now more than ever. Who amongst us has not dove for the television remote as an offensive TV commercial aired in the midst of an innocent program, or as a promising TV program all of a sudden turned raunchy?

 

One solution includes tossing the set in the garbage. However, if that is too extreme, here’s a list of ideas:

 

Teach your kids to be discerning

 

We can just “turn the TV off,” yet Scripture wants us to do a lot more (Deut. 6:6-7). We have to teach our kids the complete counsel of God – and how scripture applies to life. Because after all, all of us want our kids to make good decisions when we are not inside the room.

 

Acknowledge it isn’t harmless entertainment

 

What is the Disney channel’s aim in inserting characters who are gay? It’s to normalize homosexuality. It virtually is an advertisement. Undoubtedly, some children and teens are mature enough to view such content and stay solid in their faith. Though, others aren’t. Only parents are able to decide.

 

Prepare your kids for spiritual battle

 

I do not want my kid’s education about adult problems to happen when viewing the Disney Channel. God tells me that is my role (Prov. 22:6). My objective when raising my children is to protect them from the world as I prepare them for the world. I need to equip them with the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18) – and guard their innocence while simultaneously preparing them for adulthood. I’m not raising my kids in a bubble. However, I am also not tossing them to the wolves.

 

Consider the alternatives

 

I gave up on cable and broadcast TV a long time ago. Nothing shocks me anymore. That is why my family chose streaming alternatives: the great shows on Netflix, in conjunction with services such as the VidAngel, ClearPlay, and the Dove Channel. This way, we decide on the content. Plus, it is also much more inspiring.

 

LLEM International Christian Missionary Organization has a mandate of reaching out to the basic needs of men, women and children. We aim to empower and impact lives. We present the word of God as a solution to global crisis. Our goal is to help as many hurting humans as we possibly can. We strive to eliminate human suffering and to express love as a fundamental element for human development and international cooperation. We provide food, clothing, educational materials, and medical care to the less privileged throughout the world. Please be our partner in helping children who cannot help themselves and whose parents cannot help them. All donations are truly appreciated; give your donation here.