Resources

General and Other Research

The impact media has on kids' development is profound. Media has become an authority figure, a peer group, and quite often, "the other parent" in our kids’ lives. Watching TV and movies, playing video games, surfing the Web, listening to music, talking on their cell phones and Instant Messaging -- kids have a range of media to choose from and to learn from. You're likely to see them imitating their favorite media characters, using the same language, and acting out the behavior they've observed.

But media is everywhere -- so what's a parent to do? At Common Sense Media, we believe that we can't cover our kids' eyes, but we can teach them how to see and think critically about media. Just as kids need to learn to read and write, they need to learn how to be media-savvy. Identifying the areas that might affect a child's mental, emotional, and social health and development is part of this process.

Helpful tips and worksheets:
Common Sense Tips for a Healthy Media Diet
Common Sense Tips for a Healthy Media Diet for Young Kids
My Child's Media Diet
My Media Diet

Check out some of the general research on media below to get started. Knowledge is power!