Some people think that the main factors influencing a child's development these days are things such as TV, friends, and music. Others believe that the family still remains more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Nowadays, a debate persists over whether external factors like television, peers and music are the dominant influences on children’s growth, or whether family still plays the most critical role. In my view, while external elements exert growing impact, family remains the foundational influence on a child’s development.
Those who emphasize the role of TV, friends and music have valid reasons. Modern children spend a large amount of time engaging with these media and social circles: TV programmes and online music often shape their perceptions of social norms, fashion and values, while peer groups heavily influence their daily behaviours, communication styles and even life choices, especially during adolescence. For example, many teenagers pick up slang, hobby preferences and attitudes towards study from their close friends, and may mimic behaviours seen on popular shows, as they seek peer acceptance and a sense of belonging.
However, the family’s role is irreplaceable. Parents are children’s first teachers, who establish core values, behavioural boundaries and emotional security from early childhood. Long-term family interactions lay the foundation of a child’s character, sense of responsibility and ability to form healthy relationships. For instance, children raised in supportive, communicative families are generally more confident and better at handling setbacks, regardless of external influences; additionally, parents often guide children to critically judge content from TV or music, and help them select positive social circles, mediating the impact of external factors.
In conclusion, while TV, peers and music have noticeable influences on children as they grow older, family provides the fundamental framework that shapes how children process and respond to these external inputs, making it the most important factor in child development.