Post: Make These Media Diet Resolutions!
Make These Media Diet Resolutions!
Up for a different kind of diet this new year? Put the whole family on a healthy media diet! It makes sense when you consider that your kids will probably spend more time with media this year than they will with you or in school. Here are six resolutions you can make to help your kids think critically, establish their own boundaries, and use media well (rather than having media use them).
- "I will know before they go." Take a moment to do some homework and find out what's in that movie or video game or on that Web site before letting your kids see, play, or surf.
- "I will talk with my kids about the media they consume." What better way to inject your values than to have an open discussion about the messages your kids receive from what they watch and listen to?
As our kids age, we can't cover their eyes, but we can help them to see. Talking with your kids helps them be savvy about media content and to be aware of the commercial and social messages they're seeing and hearing. The goal is to help them be able to make up their own minds about what they see, hear, play, and read.
- "I will help my kids connect the dots." It does help to tell kids that media affects their emotional, social, and physical lives. They need to know that everything they see advertised won't make them thinner, stronger, or richer. They need to understand that too much screen time will lower their grades or cause weight gain.
Point out that -- like it or not -- studies prove that violent video games raise aggression levels and lower empathy and social skills. Remind them that all the underage drinking and smoking shown in movies results in more kids doing both activities. And all that hot, steamy sex? Where's the birth control?
Even if it makes you feel like the most humorless parent in the world, it's still important to point out racist, commercial, sexist, and misogynistic messages. Never hesitate to inject your values into a music video. Your kids may look like they're ignoring you, but they're actually listening to what you have to say.
- "I will say 'no.'" We hate being the heavies and denying our kids something they crave. But our kids need boundaries in all things -- and media is no different. Give your kids reasons, too. That way they can internalize your decision-making criteria.
- "I will watch my own media habits." After a long day, who doesn't love to plop down in front of the TV and watch 101 Law & Order reruns? But it's important to remember that we're modeling behavior for our kids.
- "I will be very clear about what is and isn't safe, responsible, or acceptable." Most parents trust their kids and believe they're aware and smart. But kids do need to be reminded about codes of conduct and safety concerns. Reminding our kids about Internet safety, cyber-bullying, and what to do if someone invades their privacy with a cell phone picture helps them control their media life.
Post your own media resolutions below.