Parents urged to monitor children's media consumption

Professionals in the North Rift have urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the content their children consume during the August school holidays.
They warned that unrestricted access to digital and broadcast media could negatively influence children’s behaviour and development.
The experts also called for greater parental involvement and responsible digital use to protect learners from harmful content.

Professionals in the North Rift have urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the content their children consume during the August school holidays.

They warned that increased access to digital and broadcast media could negatively influence young minds.

Moi University lecturer Thomas Bor said children are particularly vulnerable to media influence because of their impressionable nature, adding that some parents have failed to provide adequate guidance.

“Children easily imitate what they see and hear. Parents, caregivers and guardians must take responsibility for monitoring and regulating the type of audio-visual content their children consume during the school holidays,” Bor said.

Speaking in Kapsabet Town, Bor noted that protecting children from harmful or inappropriate content is a shared responsibility that begins at home. He urged parents to take a more active role in supervising their children’s digital activities.

He recommended that parents establish clear screen-time limits, activate parental controls to block age-inappropriate material and encourage children to watch programmes that promote positive values, creativity and critical thinking.

“I also encourage parents to watch content together with their children. This enables them to understand what their children are viewing and creates an opportunity to discuss the messages being communicated,” he added.

Parents urged to remain vigilant

The sentiments were echoed by Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) North Rift Chairperson Joseph Kitur, who called on parents to remain vigilant about their children’s activities during the holidays.

“Parents should know where their children are, who they are interacting with and the kind of content they are accessing. They should also report harmful or unsuitable content to the relevant authorities for review and classification,” Kitur said.

He warned that unrestricted access to mobile phones and digital platforms has contributed to indiscipline in schools, alleging that some learners have used mobile phones to facilitate the smuggling of drugs and other illegal substances into learning institutions.

Kitur said closer parental supervision is essential to safeguard children in an increasingly digital environment.

Call for responsible entertainment

The professionals also cautioned video show operators, PlayStation gaming outlets and film exhibitors against admitting children to view content that is not classified as suitable for general audiences.

They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening parental awareness through the Parents’ Digital Literacy Programme (PADIL), which equips caregivers with the skills to safely guide children’s interaction with digital platforms.