Influence of media on children discussed
sharjah — The influence of media on Arabs and effectiveness of the current curriculum were discussed last week at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival that concluded on Friday.
The first session, titled ‘Emirati Media and Children’s Issues’ addressed the importance of the media role in all of society’s issues. The discussion specifically addressed whether the Emirati media fulfils its duty towards its children as well as its cultural, social and educational and societal rights.
The panels discussed the vast and complex role of media, in the light of the UAE being very open in accepting foreign influences, particularly western, when it comes to entertainment, which in turn can affect an Arab child’s interest in factors pertaining to education, specifically reading.
They also discussed the role that the Emirati media should play in order to serve and promote children’s causes and the future of the nation.
Syrian writer Dr Haitham Alkhawaja pointed out that TV, radio and newspapers are one fact, but games are also factors that affect children. Some of the corrupt themes in games revolve around sex and violence, which can desensitise the child.
Dr Alkhawaja also said that whilst some children have the intelligence to see the advantages and disadvantages of games, and content presented on television overall, excessive participation in games creates isolation, and it is important for parents and educators to consult psychologists and take their observations and assessments into consideration.
Another discussion titled ‘School Curricula: Education and Culture’ highlighted modern theories in education and the belief that school books play an integral part in building the educational curriculum.
Acclaimed author and teacher Asma Al Zarooni emphasised that it was important for teachers to come up with new and creative ways to keep children interested and engaged in learning. She said that every single element, even down to the aesthetics, play an integral role, and that the teacher must take these various factors into consideration when creating their class curriculum.
Adapting the curriculum to suit today’s evolving world was the focal point of this discussion. However, whether the new educational technology aimed at improving these processes can actually be used for educational purposes, in additional to the teacher, the school book and other essential tools resulted in passionate debate.
Many believed that as there are many American and British schools within the UAE, what was actually being taught and implemented in school may not actually work for the Arab children.
It was pointed out that these systems can disconnect and ultimately breakdown a child’s education and well-being, specifically when it comes to children with special needs as there may be a lack of understanding due to cultural conflicts.