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Journalism of Courage
Comedian Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent show has been facing massive backlash owing to the language used in it, particularly by podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia. The controversy sparked discussions about the kind of content readily available online and its impact on young audiences, including teenagers.
With inappropriate or harmful content circulating on the Internet, it’s important for parents to take proactive steps to safeguard their children from exposure to such material. Parenting in today’s digital age is no easier than walking on eggshells. On one hand, you want to give your child the freedom to explore the world, but on the other, there is a strong instinct to protect them, which may come across as controlling or overbearing to them.
How can this be tackled? For starters, parents should avoid generalisations that demoralise teenagers and refrain from making judgmental remarks like “this generation is useless” or “kids your age have no respect.”
Teenagers are vulnerable during their formative years when they are shaping their identities, values, and understanding of the world. The Internet provides access to a vast range of media, often without the guidance needed to distinguish between healthy entertainment and harmful material.
How to guide teenagers towards responsible content consumption
Teach critical thinking – Help your teenager understand the difference between comedy, satire, offensive humour, and inappropriate language. Encouraging them to think critically about content allows them to take ownership of their choices and develop independent judgment.
Do not normalise offensive behaviour – Content that portrays disrespectful, offensive, or abusive behaviour can make such actions seem acceptable in real life. For example, crude humour or jokes that trivialise serious issues like mental health, race, gender, or sexuality can lead young people to dismiss these important topics or believe it’s “cool” to laugh at them.
Be a role model – Your own online behaviour serves as an example for your teenager. Practise responsible internet use, show respect for others, and engage thoughtfully with digital media. Teenagers learn a lot through observation, and giving them a baseline would allow them to be curious, and at the same time, take care of online safety.
Encourage open discussions – Instead of outright forbidding certain content, talk to your teenager about what they are watching. Explain why some content might be inappropriate or too mature for their age. Fostering open conversations helps them develop a sense of responsibility in their content consumption while allowing them to make informed choices.
By adopting such a balanced approach—neither too restrictive nor too lenient—parents can help teenagers engage with online content mindfully while ensuring their safety online.
