Keeping our kids healthy is up to us
What kids put in their brains is as important as what goes in their bodies.
Good health is about more than strong bones and good teeth. It’s about physical, mental, social, and emotional wellness. The media messages and images that our kids consume through TV, movies, video games, the Internet, music, and cell phones shape their values and behavior in ways that can be healthy or unhealthy.
But media runs right through the center of our kids' lives, so what's a parent to do? It's up to us to help them use the media they love both wisely and well.
Download the full, printable pdf version of the guide for easy reference.
Media & Today's Children
Physical Health
Media immersion absolutely affects our kids' physical health. We're seeing the impact in the escalation of obesity, eating disorders, attention deficit disorders, and in declining levels of fitness. Read more »
Sexual Behavior
Sex is everywhere. So much so, in fact, that teens report their main source of information about sex, dating, and sexual health comes from what they see and hear in the media.
Read more »
Violence and Agression
By the time kids enter middle school, they will have seen 8,000 murders and 100,000 more acts of violence on broadcast TV alone. Meanwhile, video games have taken center stage as an especially powerful and violent influence. Read more »
Addictive Behaviors
There's no grey area here: A direct and proven correlation exists between the onset of smoking and drinking and media exposure. Read more »
Social and Emotional Health
Kids need a hefty dose of self-esteem, a strong sense of right and wrong, and the ability to conduct relationships respectfully and responsibly. But media often seem to encourage just the opposite. Read more »
Five Challenges for Parents / Tips for Healthy Media Use
Media is everywhere, so teaching kids how to use it in a healthy manner can be tough. Check out our tips for keeping kids healthy in a media- saturated world. Read more »
