The Future of Childhood

What does Postman (1994) argue about the future of childhood?

• childhood is disappearing due to television and digital media

• the boundary between childhood and adulthood is blurred

• adults no longer control access to knowledge

What reasons does Postman give for the blurring of childhood and adulthood?

• breakdown of information hierarchy

• children access adult content via the internet and TV

What does Postman call for to protect childhood?

stricter censorship of TV, gaming, and online media

How does Jenks (2005) disagree with Postman about the future of childhood?

• childhood is not disappearing, but is changing

• adults see children as vulnerable and in need of protection

According to Jenks, how do relationships in postmodern society affect childhood?

• unstable relationships make children a source of security and identity for adults

• childhood becomes more protected

What research supports aspects of Postman's view of childhood under strain?

BBC surveys (2011) and Cambridge University (2007) show children anxious about adult concerns like terrorism or crime

What health concern suggests childhood may be under strain?

high rates of obesity

What evidence challenges Postman's claim that childhood is disappearing?

Opie (1993) found children continue to enjoy distinct culture with games, songs, and rhymes

What is a criticism of Postman's focus on media?

• overemphasis on one factor

• ignores other influences like parental neglect and poor interaction (Palmer, 2007)

• liberal parenting/children’s rights making parents less authoritative (Phillips, 1997)