Media and a Healthy Childhood
We can intentionally choose how much screen time our families will have and give ourselves and our young children a tremendous advantage.
Media exposure and Health
The health implications of a plan about media exposure are as profound as one involving nutrition.
The American Academy of Pediatricians developed a form intended to be used as part of the routine exam that recognizes the importance of media use as a health issue. You can download it here and take it to your doctor.
Advertising to Babies and Toddlers
Advertisers are targeting babies and toddlers. Once they have the attention, the content of violence and unhealthy eating and other behaviors comes in.
Before the baby is born and for birthdays and holidays:
New American Dream’s Alternative Gift Registry
BUY, BUY BABY by Susan Gregory Thomas. A journalist’s readable documentation of the increase in direct advertising to young children.
The ages 0 through 8 years are crucial in the mental, spiritual and physical health of our children.
Early childhood educators are reporting children’s decreased ability to play in any but the most prescribed ways.
Children learn the story of who they are, who their family is and what society is all about at an early age.
Telling the Story You Know Best
We can use media ourselves in enjoyable ways - and, above all, talk to our children about the choices we make
- to help give children become critical thinkers.
Action Coalition for Media Education: Raising Media-Savvy Kids
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood’s Resource page
(c)HealthyMediaChoices 2008
