When Kathy Griffin posted a photo of herself holding a likeness of our president’s bloody head, a shockwave should have gone through every single parent in America. Not only did her shameful act disturb adults, it did far more damage to any child — especially Barron Trump — than to you or me.

[lz_third_party includes=https://videos-by.vemba.io/v2/placements/14227.js]

Close

 

Let’s look at what happens to a child’s or teen’s psyche when he sees horrific images such as what Griffin posted.

First, the trauma for a child is much more magnified than what you and I see. Because the psyche is developing, the images pack a bigger punch, thus causing the child to feel the horror on a deeper level.

Second, during the teen and early pubertal years, a child’s brain is being hard-wired. This means that images in a child’s brain stick more easily and shape how the child views future images.

Finally, research shows us with indisputable clarity that children who see violence in media become more aggressive in the future — and these are the early studies. (Many more are to come.)

Related: Kathy Griffin Plays the Victim in Trump Photo Stunt

So in the most unusual and unfortunate way, Kathy Griffin’s stunt has driven home how critical it is for all parents to take charge of our children’s screens and protect them from vile images and messages that folks like her post in the name of humor.

The frightening thing is, her actions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what our kids see and hear on their screens. There is pornography, violence, seduction, bullying, and so much more that serves to poison our children. And with a device in hand, any child can access all debauchery at any moment.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Let’s learn from Kathy’s foul antics and get some backbone to help our kids. Make tough, non-negotiable rules regarding screens for your kids of every age. Worried that you’ll have a fight on your hands? You probably will, but think about this: Your kids’ tender, malleable minds are worth every bit of the fight. Rarely is an image neutral to the immature brain.

Related: That TV in Your Kid’s Bedroom Is Bad News

Here are a few rules that can help every conscientious parent protect her kids from harmful screen images.

1). Insist on NO phone until your child is at least 14. Period.

2.) Any time a child is on a device at home, you should be able to see what he is doing and watching. Circle Disney is a terrific device you can use in your home to monitor their exposure.

3.) Insist on screen-free times in your home. Pick an hour, two or three every day that you want everyone (yes, even your 18-year-old who bought his own phone) to shut off all electronics.

Here’s the good news (and I know this because I did it when my kids were growing up): Kids balk, scream and slam doors when you set rules and mean them. But then the drama subsides and life gets better. Really. Once kids see that you are serious about implementing rules, they give up the fight, and calm is restored.

Related: Vast Online Dangers Threaten Curious Kids

And the best part? When your kids go off to college and see their friends hooked on video games, social media, pornography, movies and more — and those kids can’t pay attention to their studies — they will call you and thank you.

I promise.

Dr. Meg Meeker has practiced pediatrics and adolescent medicine for more than 30 years. She is the author of the book, “Hero: Being the Strong Father Your Children Need” (Regnery Publishing, May 15, 2017), as well as a number of digital parenting resources and online courses, including The 12 Principles of Raising Great Kids.