Post: How Media Impact Kids' Health
How Media Impact Kids' Health
Once again studies have proven the power of media.
This week, two new studies made the link between media and teen drinking and smoking. But the news isn't all bad: One study found that 9-to-12-year-olds who weren't allowed to watch R-rated movies were at less risk.
These results didn't come as too much of a surprise to us. At Common Sense, we've always believed that media is a public health issue. Since it acts as a “super-peer,” media has the capacity to influence behaviors that affect our children’s physical, mental, and social health.
We know that what we put in our kids’ minds is as important to their health as what we put in their bodies.
Parents: It's up to you to help your kids deconstruct the messages they get ons-creen about drinking and smoking. You can do this both by limiting what they see -- and by watching with them, using shows and ads to open up conversations.
For some tips for turning media into teachable moments, click here.
For a stunning short video about how much movies impact teen smoking, click here.