The Media Monster: Protecting and Preparing Kids for the Dangers Behind the Screen
“Swimmies” are an amazing invention. They let toddlers play safely by the water, and even enjoy themselves, without you having to watch them like a hawk.
But a 35-year-old who wears swimmies in the pool? That’s just ridiculous.
That’s because the point of swimmies is to protect your toddler while s/he makes the transition to actually swimming. The hope being, of course, that by age 4 or 5 your toddler has total freedom to move safely in the water and have fun doing it!
Just like swimmies aren’t forever, neither is a total media lockdown to protect your kids from viewing unsavory things on TV or the Internet. There’s a place for protection, of course! But just like swimmies help you make the transition to swimming, you should be using tools and techniques to help your kids make the transition to responsible, healthy enjoyment of movies, TV, and apps.
“The Media Monster” training is designed to help you make that transition.
Lessons
The Media Monster (Lesson 2): Protecting and Preparing Kids for the Dangers Behind the Screen
This online presentation was recorded live. It includes both the formal presentation and all the audience Q&A. The recording is approximately 90 minutes long. Download the presentation slides (pdf) Download the Media Literacy cheat sheet (pdf) Presentation Notes: Principle #1: The goal is to help kids to become media literate, self-regulating adults. Principle #2: Just as with […]
The Media Monster (Lesson 3): Raising Courageous Kids to Confront a Sexualized Culture
Today’s kids are being exposed to pornography early (8 to 11 years old) and often and pop culture tells them it’s a healthy outlet for sexuality. In this presentation, we learn how to create a safe online space and encourage ongoing conversations that empower kids to not only look away from sexualized media, but also to confront our sex-obsessed culture. You […]
