How to Keep Your Kids Safe When Using Movies as a Teaching Tool (Movie School Series Part 3)
In Part 1, of our Movie Schooling series, we introduced you to this nontraditional form of home education. In Part 2, we shared ways Movie Schooling can enhance learning for ALL students. Today, in Part 3, we discuss ways to keep your kiddos safe while enjoying movies as part of your home education experience.
Content Concerns and Considerations
Concerned about the content your kids consume? I could not agree more.
Opinions and preferences regarding age-appropriate content vary from family to family. Even film ratings from the Motion Picture Association have proven questionable. I have had better success with Common Sense Media and Focus on the Family’s Plugged In.
Pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom of four, and blogger Brooke Poston from The Fervent Mama offers further resources:
Screen Time
As a general rule, I do not fret over “screen time.” However, there are guidelines I choose to follow:
Safety First – Parent controls and parental monitoring are key. Unfortunately, we do not have to leave our homes for predators to target our children. Talk with your children about internet safety.
Quality Over Quantity – In our homeschool, it’s all about balance. Our brood bonds over family-oriented shows and movies. As parents, my husband and I delight at the prospect of putting our only child to bed so we can indulge in our tradition of “late-night date night,” where we pop popcorn and steal away for a film festival for two.
About 80% of our screen time is educational. By educational, I do not mean endless nature shows, historical documentaries, or period-piece films. (I have been known to indulge with my son in AFV Funny Pet video binges for a quick, mindless injection of humor.) There is something to be said for giving the old noggin a break from constant thought and analysis.
In our house, we like to maximize our screen time use by getting more “bang” for our “buck” if you will. To accomplish this goal, we utilize “active” viewing.
Active Viewing – Engage with your child about the content regardless of the topic. The point is the relationship and not the accumulation of facts.
I have helped my child cultivate emotional intelligence after discussing episodes of The Mysterious Benedict Society. We have grown as a family in our understanding of grace and humility by examining Queen Amidala’s actions in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. We engage our children in the learning process by taking an active approach to screen time rather than allowing unfettered access to passive viewing.
How does active viewing work? Initially, you must be aware of what your child is watching (parental monitoring). Then, through open-ended discussion, you gain insight into what your child thinks about what they are watching. Finally, you share your thoughts on the content. As you engage in this dialogue you not only develop your child’s communication and critical thinking skills but also promote bonding between you and your kiddo.
Remember, it’s all about relationships.
How To Handle Questionable Content
There may be times when questionable content may cross your child’s viewing path. Whether it happens in your own home, (PG to us 80’s kids means something ENTIRELY different now as we rewatch childhood favorites through the lens of a parent), or when your child is visiting a friend’s home, these situations can arise.
So what is a concerned parent to do?
First of all, do not panic. Be aware, but do not blame, and certainly do not shame.
What to do instead?
Teach and cultivate discernment.
Teaching Discernment
Discernment is the spiritual gift of sound judgment.
Discernment in the Bible is the spiritual characteristic of sound judgment for perceiving the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error and identifying God’s will and direction for his people. Discernment is necessary to understand spiritual truth, live holy as God intends, avoid life’s pitfalls and dangers, and properly govern society.
Mary Fairchild
Chew & Spit – I learned this concept from the wonderful ladies at Mama Bear Apologetics. Despite our vigilant efforts as parents to insulate our children from the harmful effects of the world, there are times when images, beliefs, or ideas that do not align with our values will cross our paths.
For more on learning and practicing the “Chew & Spit” Method visit Mama Bear Apologetics.
In these moments, I am reminded of Romans 12:2,
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Regarding Dangerous Content
Questionable content aside, dangerous content is another can of worms entirely.
Unfortunately, we do not have to leave our homes for predators to have access to our children. Exposure to explicit content can elicit fear, confusion, and difficulties in processing the experience.
(If this has happened in your family, do not lose heart. Some specialists can assist you and your family during this difficult time. Please visit our Resources pages for assistance.)
The best defense is a good offense. Talk with your children openly about technology, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful.
For a list of reading selections to help you talk with your children about internet and media safety, please read my blog post here. You can also visit my Resources page.
Coming Up
As a therapist, I am all up in some feelings, mine, and others. Experiencing them. Understanding them. Regulating them.
In the final segment of our Movie Schooling series, we share how Movie Schooling can help cultivate Emotional Intelligence.
Let’s Keep In Touch
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Have a heart for service and love podcasts? Check out our It’s Only Homeschooling Podcast presents the Salt & Light SERVE Spotlight. Each month we feature a different community outreach program. We hope to bring awareness to the good works of these amazing organizations and encourage support.
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Blessings,
Kimberly
IOH Mom
This website is not a professional counseling website and nothing here should be construed as professional counseling advice. Although Kimberly Bennett, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is not your counselor, and no counselor-client relationship is established unless she has signed an agreement with you. All information provided through this website is for informational and educational purposes only. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement. Thanks for visiting!
