Editor, Times-Union: What goes through your mind when you see or hear something bad on television? Does the bad thought trouble you, or have you seen stuff like it before so much it doesn’t affect you? Most images and language on television and movies today are not what teens should be watching. Teens should start filtering more TV, movies and music. When you do, you might find your attitudes and actions start to change. First, when teens see or hear something on TV or in a movie, it can influence them. A lot of teens throughout the day might be thinking about something they saw on TV. They could be thinking of things such as blood or violence, inappropriate relationships and so on. After a while things such as these don’t seem as bad and most people don’t think twice about what they’re watching. Another example is teens are at an age in their life where they are very vulnerable. When they see disrespect, hear cuss words, or see any other ungodly actions on television, they are influenced. Although hearing cuss words can influence teens, what they are thinking about matters too and sometimes it is hard to ignore our thoughts. Another reason we should ignore the TV is to spend more quality time with our families. Too many families today make TV a priority. For example, many families eat dinner in front of the TV. Maybe you should ask yourself, “How many televisions do I have in my house?” or even “Do I have to ask my parents before I turn it on?” Many teens today have a TV in almost every room in the house and easily turn the TV on without asking. How many hours a week is your TV on? Many teens are getting bad grades because they make TV a priority. Finally, when was the last time you read a good book or walked your dog? Maybe it’s time to turn off the TV and go outside. The last and most important reason to filter what we watch on TV is to honor God. When we see things and then think or speak about them, we need to make sure they honor God. By God’s instruction, the apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” These verses apply to us today. The traditions and religion of this world is far from God’s Word and what is right. The biggest and most important reason to filter what we watch is to honor and serve God. We need to show what we believe in, and one way to do this is by filtering what we watch on television. Joy Hanes Warsaw Christian School
