Music can teach children values when used wisely

Music can become one of a child’s most influential teachers, especially when parents do not know what their children are learning from it. In Tanzania, children can reach songs and videos from around the world within seconds through mobile phones, television, radio and social media.

Child-rearing specialist Furaha Shimye told the writer that music can support a child’s moral development. Children enjoy listening to songs and dancing to them, he said, giving music a powerful role in shaping their thoughts, emotions and behavior. Songs with positive messages can teach love, respect, hard work, patriotism and appreciation for other people’s dignity.

The same potential exists in films, dramas and entertainment programmes. They can help children understand life, develop talents and learn new things. But Shimye warned that some content carries the opposite influence. “Some songs and entertainment contain foul language, promote sex, drug use, violence, quick wealth or luxurious lifestyles that do not match a child’s age and ability. When a child encounters such content repeatedly, they may come to see it as normal.”

Children learn by imitation, the article says. They may copy the words, clothing, dancing or speech of an artist they admire. What begins as ordinary entertainment can gradually become part of their behavior.

The writer argues that music itself should not be blamed for every moral challenge facing children. The greater problem may be the lack of guidance about suitable content and how to understand it. Parents who allow unrestricted use of digital devices may not know what kind of world their children are entering. Since simply banning all music and entertainment is difficult, the article recommends helping children assess what they see and hear. Parents can ask why a child likes a particular song and what message the child has understood.

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Some songs and entertainment contain foul language, promote sex, drug use, violence, quick wealth or luxurious lifestyles that do not match a child’s age and ability. When a child encounters such content repeatedly, they may come to see it as normal.