Researchers found "sexual content in 68 percent of the 1999-2000 [television] shows studied, compared with 56 percent in 1997-98."

An Associated Press report adds: "Such content includes talk about sex, flirting, kissing, intimate touching and depictions of intercourse."

Although shows in which teens talk about or have sex "are twice as likely to include discussion of the risks or responsibilities compared with all other programs with sexual content," researchers found that "more teen characters are being depicted engaging in intercourse. In 1997-98, teenagers represented 3 percent of all characters having sex; in the new study, the figure had tripled to 9 percent."

Christian parents need to be vigilant in helping their children and teenagers make wise viewing choices. The Bible warns us to "be sober, be vigilant" in guarding against our "adversary the devil" (1 Peter 5:8). Ephesians 2:2 describes Satan as "the prince of the power of the air." Television, movies and music are ways he negatively influences our youngsters. (Source: Associated Press.)