Presentation of Religion in Children's Media

Abstract

The influence of the media on human life is increasing, and the media is becoming an important tool in terms of the presentation of religion as well as in the fields of education, culture and art. The majority of the target audience affected by the media consists of children rather than adults. Many studies that consider childhood as a separate field of evaluation with a spiritual and sacred aspect indicate that children are in greater danger in our age than in past centuries. This research field, which can be considered new in our country, has been extensively discussed in the international literature, and many studies have been conducted on the relationship between media and children. Studies under the titles of media, childhood, child spirituality, child theology, and spiritual development have dealt with this issue in a multi-faceted manner. This study is a theoretical review that deals with researches related to literature and document review. Our study mainly argues that childhood cannot be handled from a fragmented point of view, and that theology should deal with childhood with other developmental areas, especially in the context of the relationship between child and religion. Considering the changing life conditions, the relationship between child, media and religion should be interpreted from an interdisciplinary perspective. An approach in which religion’s holiness and depth dimensions do not neglect has been seen as one of the most important needs of today’s children.