On air: Are our children’s multi-media lives good for them?

We’re pulling together two discussions today. The first is about television. Charles Kenny, a Washington developmental economist, believes that TV can teach us all, including our children, useful lessons for life. He argues it’s too easy to dismiss its benefits. The second is a row that’s broken out over Facebook and MySpace’s refusal to adopt a help button for children to report concerns about grooming and bullying. (Here’s an excellent commentary on the story.)It once again raises the issue of how safe and beneficial being online is for children. 

Better late than never?

In the past few minutes we’ve had confirmation from Barack Obama the January 2010 deadline he set for closing Guantanamo Bay will be missed. Is this significant? Or just evidence of what we already know – that deciding what to do with all those held there will take a long time.

Is TV a force for good?

TV improves women’s rights, health, education and reduces local corruption. It’s also increasingly sociable. This is the view from Charles Kenny, a Washington developmental economist. He says “soap operas and reality shows help solve real-world problems”.

Is public art worth the money?

It’s called African Renaissance, it towers over the Senegalese capital of Dakar, taller than the Statue of Liberty.

When it’s officially dedicated at a ceremony in the next few weeks, the country’s President wants it to symbolise the new aspirations of the younger generation.

 

Do profitable businesses have an “obligation” to help others?

Goldman Sachs has said sorry.

The Wall Street investment firm has apologised for its role in the financial crisis. Helped by its biggest investor Warren Buffett (pictured), it’s going to give out 500 million dollars to help small businesses through their economic troubles.