When looking at news portrayals of teenagers of different races, feelings become even stronger. Children are even more likely to see white and Asian teenagers portrayed mostly positively and to see African-American and Latino teenagers portrayed mostly negatively. Large majorities of African-American, Asian, and Latino children feel there should be more people of their race as newscasters, while most white children feel there are enough white newscasters. While there is considerable debate regarding the extent to which television affects children's attitudes and behaviors, parents are encouraged to monitor their children's viewing and to watch alongside the child. This allows for discussion that can counter negative messages children may see in television programs.
Many online resources are available to help parents guide their children's television viewing.
Gender and ethnic portrayals in Saturday morning television programs . Cultural diversity on Saturday morning television. Continue to the next article. Return to the Parent News for July 1998 contents page. Return to the NPIN home page.