Introduction
Children’s and teenagers’ health and wellbeing can be greatly impacted by the media. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) policy statement on children, adolescents, substance abuse, and the media will be analyzed in this essay along with how substance use is portrayed in the media. Specifically, this essay will explore the disparity between the messages sent by the media regarding substance use and its risks.
It will also discuss the need for accurate media portrayals of substance use and the importance of parental guidance and education in helping to prevent substance abuse. Ultimately, this essay argues that the media’s portrayal of substance use is not always an accurate representation of the use of this substance, and if it were, it promotes healthy behaviors among adolescents.
AAP Article Summary
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement on Children, Adolescents, Substance Abuse, and the Media is a comprehensive document that addresses the issue of substance abuse among young people and its relationship to media use. The statement provides an overall understanding of the issue’s complexity and suggests strategies for pediatricians and other healthcare professionals to help prevent and reduce substance abuse among children and adolescents.
The AAP article begins by recognizing the importance of media in the lives of young people and the need for effective strategies to protect them from exposure to substance abuse messaging. The article identifies the various types of media that can influence children and adolescents’ attitudes toward substance use, such as television, movies, music, and social media. It also highlights the link between media exposure and substance use, noting the need for caution when exposing young people to media messages related to substance use.
The article goes on to discuss ways that doctors and other medical professionals might prevent and lessen drug abuse in kids and teenagers. These strategies include increasing public awareness of the issue, providing education and counseling to young people, and working with parents and other caretakers to promote healthy media use. The article also suggests that media messages related to substance use should be balanced with educational messages about the risks and consequences of substance use.
Substance Abuse as Presented in the Media
The media has long been used to portray the use of substances such as alcohol and drugs in various ways. While some of these portrayals may be accurate, others may be inaccurate or misleading. To understand how the media portrays substance use and how this portrayal compares to the information learned from research, one can analyze the entertainment films containing drugs and teenagers.
A good example is within the Netflix original series, “13 Reasons Why”, a series that follows the story of a teenage girl who commits suicide and leaves behind 13 cassette tapes explaining why she did it (Season four of 13 Reasons Why turns the spotlight on alcohol and other drugs). Throughout the series, several characters engage in substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs (13 reasons why). In one scene, a group of teenagers is seen drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana at a party. In another scene, a character purchases prescription drugs from a dealer.
The portrayal of substance use in “13 Reasons Why” is significantly different from the information typically learned from research. While the show may be a powerful visual representation of what can happen when someone uses drugs or alcohol, it does not accurately reflect the consequences of such behavior. Murji (2020) has shown that substance use can have serious consequences for teens, including an increased risk of addiction, physical and mental health problems, and impaired judgment.
For example, Murji (2020) adds that substance use among teenagers is much lower than what is portrayed in the series. Studies have found that rates of alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drug use among teenagers are declining. Additionally, Murji (2020) found that substance use among teenagers is often associated with other risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, which is often not portrayed in the series.
Substance use can have serious physical effects on a teen’s body. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance use is not a normal part of teenage life and can have serious consequences. Studies have shown that teens who use drugs or alcohol are more likely to experience negative physical health effects, including damage to the organs and an increased risk of disease. For example, alcohol can cause dehydration, headaches, and blackouts; marijuana can impair cognitive functioning; and opioids can lead to an increased risk of overdose. Substance use can also have serious mental health effects on a teen’s well-being.
Moreover, substance use can increase the risk of depression and anxiety (Murji, 2020). Drug and alcohol use among teenagers increases their risk of cognitive impairment, which includes worse judgment, memory loss, and attention. Furthermore, substance use can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and an increase in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex or driving while impaired.
Teens who use drugs or alcohol are more likely to develop an addiction, according to study, in addition to the hazards to their physical and mental health that come with substance use. Substance use can lead to an increased tolerance, which can lead to increased use of the substance and eventual dependence (Moroney, Lee, Ebbert, & Luthar, 2022). Once a person is dependent, it can be difficult to break the cycle of addiction and return to a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, teens who use drugs or alcohol may be more likely to commit crimes, such as theft or vandalism. Substance use can also increase the risk of trouble with law enforcement.
The messages about substance use portrayed in “13 Reasons Why” are that they are accessible and easy to obtain, socially accepted, and a way to cope with difficult situations. The series presents substance use as an accessible and socially accepted activity (13 reasons why). It is shown that drugs and alcohol are easy to obtain and that many of the teenage characters use them without any major consequences (13 Reasons Why’s fourth season focuses on alcohol and other substances). This can lead viewers to think that substance use is a harmless activity and that it is socially acceptable. The show also implies that substance use is a way to cope with difficult situations.
For example, some characters use alcohol to cope with their emotions and numb the pain of difficult experiences. While this may be true in some cases, it can also lead viewers to think that substance use is an acceptable way to manage stress and difficult emotions. The series also fails to show the potential negative consequences of substance use (13 reasons why). It does not show the dangers of addiction, the potential mental health issues that can come with substance use, or the legal problems arising from using drugs and alcohol. Without this information, viewers may not be aware of the risks associated with substance use and may be more likely to engage in it.
AAP Policy versus Media
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement on children, adolescents, and substance abuse in relation to the media is an informative and comprehensive piece of literature examining how media can influence young people’s behaviors regarding substance abuse. This policy statement is supported by the media example discussed above in several ways.
One of the main arguments of the policy statement is that the media often glamorizes and normalizes the use of alcohol and other drugs, leading to an increased risk of substance use and abuse among young people, just like the series depicted. The statement points to several studies that demonstrate an association between the amount of media exposure and the initiation of substance use (Murji, 2020). Just like in the series, the AAP contends that the media often fails to portray the negative consequences of substance use and abuse, which can lead to a false sense of security and a lack of knowledge about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol.
When looking at how the movie portrays drug use against how the media has been seen to promote substance abuse by the AAP article, it is clear that there is a disconnect between the media’s representation of drug and alcohol use and the actual risks associated with these substances (Strasburger, 2010). While the media often portrays substance use as casual and without consequences, the AAP policy statement outlines the serious risks and harms associated with substance abuse. This disconnect is important to consider when evaluating media’s impact on young people’s behaviors and attitudes toward substance use.
Another point of comparison between the media’s portrayal of substance use and the AAP policy statement is the issue of social norms. The policy statement and Series 13 Reasons Why both illustrate how the media frequently normalizes the use of alcohol and other substances while ignoring the detrimental effects of substance use. This can create a false sense of security among young people, as they may be led to believe that substance use is not a big deal and is accepted by their peers (Murji, 2020). This contrasts the message that the AAP policy statement seeks to convey: that substance use is dangerous and should not be taken lightly.
Lastly, the AAP policy statement also emphasizes the importance of parental guidance and education as key factors in helping to prevent substance abuse. The statement encourages parents to be aware of the media messages their children are exposed to and to provide guidance on interpreting and responding to these messages (Strasburger, 2010). This is an important point to consider, as it highlights the need for parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives to protect them from the potentially harmful effects of media messages.
Conclusions
The portrayal of substance use in the media can significantly impact the health and well-being of children and adolescents. When substance use is portrayed positively or glamorized in the media, it can lead to increased risks of substance use and abuse among these populations. According to (Vannucci, Simpson, Gagnon & Ohannessian, 2020), adolescents’ exposure to media depictions of substance use can influence their attitudes, beliefs, and intentions regarding substance use, potentially leading to increased experimentation and use (Moron et al., 2022). For instance, adolescents’ exposure to alcohol advertising and imagery predicts alcohol use.
Furthermore, how substance use is portrayed in the media may help normalize substance use among kids and teenagers. This has the potential to decrease the perceived hazards associated with substance use and boost its acceptability. For example, (Moroney et al., 2022) that adolescents exposed to alcohol advertising are more likely to perceive drinking as a normal and desirable behavior and that this perception increases their likelihood of engaging in drinking behaviors.
Finally, the media’s portrayal of substance use can create a distorted image of the effects of substance use. This can lead to an underestimation of the risks associated with it and the potential for harm. (Moroney et al., 2022) noted that media depictions of substance use often fail to show the negative consequences of such use, such as physical and psychological harm, addiction, or legal and financial consequences. This can lead to a lack of understanding of the potential risks of substance use, contributing to an overall increase in substance use and abuse among children and adolescents.
The media’s portrayal of substance use can send various messages to different people. The messages can include positive and negative associations with substance use for children and adolescents. For example, positive messages may include the idea that substance use is normal and desirable (Vannucci, Simpson, Gagnon & Ohannessian, 2020). In contrast, negative messages may include the consequences of substance use, such as addiction, physical and psychological harm, and legal and financial consequences. The messages sent by the media can also target specific groups of people.
For instance, certain types of alcohol advertising target specific demographics, such as young people and women (Moroney et al., 2022). This can lead to an increase in the acceptability of substance use among these target groups and an increase in the perceived risks associated with substance use. Additionally, these messages can encourage experimentation and use among these target groups, leading to increased substance use and abuse.
The media’s depiction of substance use is often not an accurate reflection of reality. The negative effects of substance use, such as addiction, bodily and psychological suffering, or financial and legal repercussions, are frequently not depicted in the media (Moroney et al., 2022). Additionally, the media can present a distorted view of the effects of substance use, leading to an underestimation of the risks associated with it. In addition, the media’s portrayal of substance use can glamorize and normalize the behavior, leading to an increase in the acceptability of substance use among children and adolescents. A general rise in substance use and misuse among these populations may result from a lack of awareness of the possible dangers of substance use.
Media portrayals should be required to be accurate in their depictions of substance use, showing both positive and negative consequences. According to Moroney, the negative effects of substance use, such as addiction, bodily and psychological suffering, or financial and legal repercussions, are frequently not depicted in the media. This may result in a lack of awareness of the possible negative effects of substance usage as well as an underestimation of the risks involved. Additionally, accurate media portrayals of substance use can help create an environment where substance use is not seen as normal, desirable, or glamorized (Murji, 2020). This can lead to an increase in the perceived risks associated with substance use and reduce the acceptability of such behavior. Therefore, accurate media portrayals of substance use can be beneficial in promoting healthy behaviors and reducing the risks of substance use and abuse among children and adolescents.
AAP Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement on Children, Adolescents, Substance Abuse, and the Media provides a comprehensive set of recommended guidelines for pediatricians to adhere to help protect children and adolescents from the negative influences of media. The AAP recommends that pediatricians are aware of the role media can play in the development of both positive and negative behaviors in children and adolescents and that they should be knowledgeable about the impact of the media on children’s health and well-being.
The most important recommendation that the AAP puts forth is that pediatricians should familiarize themselves with the types of media content children and adolescents are exposed to at home and in the community. This includes television, movies, video games, social media, and the internet (Strasburger, 2010). Pediatricians should work to ensure that children and adolescents are consuming media content safely and responsibly and that they are aware of the potential risks associated with certain types of media.
Another core recommendation is that pediatricians be proactive in discussing the potential risks associated with media with children and adolescents. This should include conversations about the dangers of substance abuse and how to identify and address any issues that may arise from the media (Murji, 2020). By engaging in these conversations, pediatricians can help children and adolescents become more aware of the potential risks associated with media and equip them with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about their media consumption.
The AAP also recommends that pediatricians advocate for the health and well-being of children and adolescents by advocating for more responsible media content and reducing the media’s negative influence on youth. This includes advocating for more age-appropriate content, as well as for policies that limit the amount of violent, sexual, and other inappropriate content that is available to children and adolescents (Strasburger, 2010). Pediatricians should also work to reduce the time children and adolescents spend consuming media and encourage them to engage in activities that promote physical and mental health.
Furthermore, The AAP suggests that pediatricians should become active in the media literacy movement, which seeks to educate children and adolescents about the potential risks associated with media consumption. This includes educating children and adolescents about the potential risks associated with substance abuse and how to recognize and address issues that may arise from the media (Murji, 2020). Pediatricians can assist children and adolescents in making responsible and educated decisions regarding their media intake by teaching them about the possible risks connected to media (Strasburger, 2010). Finally, the AAP recommends that pediatricians work with parents and other caregivers to ensure they are aware of the potential risks associated with media. This includes discussing the types of media content available to children and adolescents and the potential risks associated with certain types of media.
The AAP’s proposals are essential to resolving the issues mentioned earlier in the article. These suggestions are meant to assist clinicians in shielding kids and teenagers from the harmful effects of media while also giving them the information and abilities they need to make wise choices regarding their media intake. By familiarizing themselves with the media content children and adolescents are exposed to, pediatricians can ensure that they are consuming media safely and responsibly (Strasburger, 2010). Pediatricians can also assist in reducing the amount of time children and adolescents spend consuming media and urge them to participate in activities that support their physical and mental well-being by talking about the possible risks connected to media and supporting more responsible media content.
It is likely that these suggestions will successfully resolve the apprehensions expressed earlier in the article. Pediatricians may help guarantee that kids and teenagers are consuming media in a responsible and safe manner and are aware of the possible risks connected to particular media by adhering to these guidelines (Strasburger, 2010). Pediatricians can also push for more responsible media content and try to cut down on the amount of time kids and teenagers spend consuming it. By doing this, pediatricians may shield kids and teens from the harmful effects of media and provide them the information and abilities they need to make wise choices about how much media they consume.
Conclusion
The way that substance use is portrayed in the media can have a big effect on kids’ and teens’ health and wellbeing. These populations are more likely to use and abuse drugs as a result of the media’s glamorization and normalization of the behavior. The AAP policy statement offers clinicians a thorough set of rules to follow in order to shield kids and teenagers from the harmful effects of the media. Pediatricians may assist guarantee that kids and teenagers are consuming media in a responsible and safe manner and are aware of the possible risks connected to specific media kinds by adhering to these principles.
Pediatricians can also push for more responsible media content and try to limit the amount of time kids and teenagers spend consuming media. By doing this, pediatricians may shield kids and teens from the harmful effects of media and provide them the information and abilities they need to make wise choices about how much media they consume.
References
13 reasons why. Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Web.
Moroney, E., Lee, S., Ebbert, A., & Luthar, S. (2022). Digital media use frequency, online behaviors, and risk for negative mental health in adolescents in high-achieving schools. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 28(1), 237-254. Web.
Murji, K. (2020). The agony and the ecstasy: Drugs, media, and morality. The Control of Drugs and Drug Users, 69-85. Web.
Season four of 13 reasons why turns spotlight on alcohol and other drugs. Mindframe. (n.d.). Web.
Strasburger, V. C. (2010). Children, adolescents, substance abuse, and the Media. Pediatrics, 126(4), 791-799. Web.
Vannucci, A., Simpson, E. G., Gagnon, S., & Ohannessian, C. M. (2020). Social media use and risky behaviors in adolescents: A meta‐analysis. Journal of Adolescence, 79(1), 258-274. Web.
Loading...
