For immediate release:               
December 8, 2008

"The Common Sense Schools program will provide PTA leaders with the tools to help parents become more critical consumers of the media that their family uses. We commend them on the creation of the program and look forward to the positive impact of our joint efforts to raise media-savvy children. "

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – CEO and founder of Common Sense Media Jim Steyer announces    the launch of Common Sense Media Schools: A Parent Media Education Program. The free   program — the first of its kind — provides educators with resources that address parents’ questions and concerns about television, movies, the Internet, gaming, and much more, giving schools the tools they need to run a media education program for parents and faculty. More than 400 schools nationwide have already signed up for the program. Find it on the Web at   http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators.

"Kids today spend more time with media than they do in school or with their parents," says Steyer. "Parents need help sifting through the information about media use, and they often turn to their child’s school for advice. Through the Common Sense Schools Program, Common Sense Media will help build a bridge between parents and schools to help them nurture media-smart children."

Through the program, educators can tailor expert information from Common Sense Media to create a program that's custom-made for their school community and specific grade levels. Compelling videos, printed handouts, and workshop presentations are perfect for parent education events, parent-teacher conferences, and PTA meetings. Materials are also available electronically for school newsletters and Web sites. The program provides resources on more than 30 topics, including cyberbullying, virtual worlds, advertising, social networking, and the impact of media on kids’ health and development. These interactive materials help parents guide kids in becoming responsible media consumers and creators and help public schools meet NCLB and Title I requirements for parent involvement.

Chief Education and Strategy Officer at Common Sense Media Linda Burch says of the new schools site: “Our goal with the launch of this program is to build a vibrant community of parents and teachers sharing ideas and gaining the knowledge and confidence to help kids grow and thrive in this 24/7 media world.” 

To speak to educators using the program in your community, set up an interview with Jim Steyer or Linda Burch, or to receive a username and password to view the full menu of materials, please contact the press team (contact information below).

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the nation's leading nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the impact of media and entertainment on kids and families. Common Sense Media provides trustworthy ratings and reviews of media and entertainment based on child development criteria created by leading national experts. For more information, visit
www.commonsensemedia.org

Leslie Sepuka                                                              Marisa Connolly
Director of Communications                                     Communications Manager
(415) 553-6768                                                           (415) 553-6703
lsepuka@commonsensemedia.org                       mconnolly@commonsensemedia.org