Growing up and being a part of generation Z has its ups and its downs, the increase in internet sources and the creation of different TV viewing channels and platforms has created a whole new reality in which teens who view these browsers regularly see aspects of their life, whilst being influenced by fictional characters they see on screen for better or for worse. But how does the excited teenage mind take the information it is receiving and how do they change based on what they watch? 

Although many of our elders claim television is just unwelcome news there are some positives to watching the shows on our screens. 

The increase in teenagers experiencing bad mental health rose significantly after the recent global pandemic with 41% claiming it was much worse. Internet sources also reported that depression was the most prominent outcome of the effect of the coronavirus. Studies show that with TV being watched when not binged it can have positive results on the persons wellbeing for shows that represent majorities of teenage struggles and characters who are written to deal with mental health problems allowed teenage views to feel comfortable enough to seek help.  

However, TV can have negative effects on the teenage mind. With sleep being important for good health as it improves many parts of the teenage brain, for example brain activity, depending on what is being watched sleep can be affected in a negative way. For example, watching graphic or violent movies or TV shows can increase stress consequentially disrupting sleep. On the other hand, by watching more shows that rely on positive messages moods can be lightened enabling a more effective and better prepared sleep. 

 

Teenagers can be easily influenced by something online if it seems to appeal to them, it could excite them to see risky behaviors that are cool or fun. Shows that are watched by teens often include risky behaviors such as the act of doing drugs, alcohol drinking in copious quantities resulting in a change in behavior or using cigarettes. The pure idea of performing an act such as these seen on screen will likely result in the temptation to try them which in turn could lead to adverse consequences. 

 

Since the teenage brain is always expanding its knowledge and understanding new parts of life there are some general benefits the TV screen potentially plays a role in. Creativity is such an important part of life and how creative you are is great aid when growing up because it allows you to support social enjoyment. TV can play a role in increasing creativity by enriching idea stores. 

I, the writer, feel there should be a part of this giving the view of the big question at the top by the people being discussed (teenagers) so this is a view written directly by one.  

I decided to ask questions the question ‘do you feel TV improves your mental health?’ to the students of my year, both boys and girls. Rounded to the nearest significant figure, 80% said yes. 

I am a teenager myself, I have worked to draw a conclusion that is unbiased,I have views that are in support of tv watching but to stay aware that your teenagers aren't binging television as that is when it could cause problems, I also feel parents should be aware of what is being watched by their children for if issues show up, the parents may be able to link the issues to what is being watched on the television.