Thinking back to your favorite childhood shows, can you remember them talking about the environment or recycling? It seems difficult to recall if you did learn about these issues from media. In the example from the 1990’s “Rocko’s Modern Life,” that many might remember, there is a wonderful song about recycling. Surprisingly even at a young age children’s shows are tackling large issues. When watching this clip the garbage character covers issues of recycling, conservation, and not polluting. He goes over how the ozone is deteriorating because of peoples waste and goes over the fact that if people do not do something they will pay for it. The song also even goes into the cutting down of trees and how that reduces the earth’s oxygen supply, which is also harmful to the environment and us. The lyrics at this part say “it’s not enough to sit around and grieve,” which is interesting because it is calling for action from a young age group who may not even truly understand the message they are receiving. The song is happy, but uses a scare tactic that if we do not act, we’ll get what we deserve. This example in particular is a call for civil engagement to a younger audience by showing all the characters coming together and discussing this issue.
At an early age children are being exposed to ideas and norms of being a “good citizen.” What are kids seeing? Now there is even more of a cultivation of the “go green” attitude being promoted to younger age groups. As we can see even starting in the 1970’s these ideas have been brought up in children’s show. “Sesame Street,” “Reading Rainbow,” “The Magic School Bus,” “Captain Planet,” all began educating kids about environment. Children’s shows now continue to bring up the ideas of recycling and helping the earth, and show it being a rewarding act and a civic duty. The youth is important to target at a young age because they are easily impressionable during the critical period of their lives. If environmental issues are being shown as important and show kids ways to take action on and individual or group level and the rewards these actions will have, they may be more likely to continue these ideas through out their lives.
Another interesting thing about how children are learning about how to be involved in environmental issues is the use of the Internet. Children television networks have websites and links on how to be green. For example Nick Jr. has a whole page dedicated to creative recycling, turning recycling into fun craft activities. Also PBS has a short clip show called “The Greens,” which is a family that gives children fun environmental tips and awareness. The website has green games, tips, and the clips for kids to interact with. The communication of environmental awareness starting at a young age helps for a more active and engaged generation.
http://www.nickjr.com/crafts/all-shows/creative-recycling-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml
http://meetthegreens.pbskids.org
Coleen Maloney
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