Lifestyle Columnist, Amanda Alexander
Have you noticed that the values of the TV media concerning children’s entertainment has changed drastically and rapidly over the years. According to Ofcom¹ “Protecting children from harmful material on TV and radio is one of Ofcom’s most important duties. Our Broadcasting Code sets standards for television and radio shows and broadcasters must follow its rules…The watershed means the time when TV programmes which might be unsuitable for children can be broadcast…The watershed begins at 9pm and material unsuitable for children should not, in general, be shown before 9pm or after 5.30am…”
Ofcom defines unsuitable material as “…Unsuitable material can include everything from sexual content to violence, graphic or distressing imagery and swearing…”¹
Currently many TV programmes shown before the ‘Watershed’ could be construed as breaching Ofcom’s rules. It’s a well known fact that children are easily and heavily influenced by what they see and hear, especially from celebrities. Therefore, could easy access to unsuitable material be the cause of how our earth is today?
The Health Foundation ² found in it’s report published 8th February 2022, that “among those aged 6 to 16 in England, one in six had a probable mental health condition in 2021, up from one in nine in 2017…for adolescent girls aged between 17 and 19: one in four had a probable mental health condition in 2021…This…corresponds to an additional 500,000 young people between 6 and 16 with a probable mental health condition…” These are alarming statistics to say the least, and beggars the question what does the future hold for these adults in the participation and running of society if their minds are not stable and strong?
With the shifting sands of unsuitable material plaguing the society of young minds, thus them becoming desensitised to the terrors, poverty, and having a blatant disregard for human life, it’s evident that the unsuitable TV material have indeed become rooted and are grounded in their hearts.
However, I choose to remain rooted and grounded in God and His love. All the changes He brings in life are for my betterment, for the serving of those around me and the stranger. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, Hebrews 13:8, 9 (the Bible). To remain in God’s love is life, stability and peace, Romans 8:6. We also have the privilege of praying for those who do not know him, 1 Timothy 2:1-3. My prayer for everyone today is one of healing for the hearts and minds of children nationally and globally, that the veil of the gospel be removed so that all can live in the light, love, stability and peace of Christ in Jesus name, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.
What will you choose to become rooted and grounded in order for your life to flow and remain strong? Will it be in God – Ephesians 3:17-19, are you prepared to build on the rock of His Word? Or on the sand of modern society? Read Matthew 7:24-27 to see the consequences of what happens when we don’t build our life on the ‘Rock of Christ’. I want to encourage you today to become rooted and grounded on God’s Rock, you’ll be forever stable regardless of your circumstances or what’s happening around you and in the world, trust me you will not regret it!
So until next time, remember you are beautiful and wonderfully made – With love Amanda x
Amanda Alexander is a Pastor, Teacher, TV Media Journalist
Founder of Female Dignity, Warrior Women, Amanda Alexander Productions. She serves on the leadership team of New Life Church in Bishops Stortford and is ministry coordinator for Patrick’s Mission
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