Except for sleeping, engagement with media takes up the most time per day for a majority of children and teenagers.
Media Education means to educate ourselves about different types of mass media, develop the ability to differentiate between the positives and the negatives effects of media, and to ultimately make the correct choices. It also helps us to critically analyze what we are watching or reading, and helps us to control our time.
Media usually glamorizes use of alcohol, drugs and smoking, and sexual content. However, they do not lay equal emphasis on the bad consequences of becoming engrossed in these activities. Hence, more and more children are getting trapped and are making the wrong choices. Educating students can help them make better choices related to media.
Numerous studies have shown that even minimal media education can reduce negative health risks and increase positive outcomes in children and adolescents.
Schools should incorporate media education in their school curricula.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents should help their children control their time, involve them in alternative activities, remove electronic devices from their rooms, watch programs with them, help them choose good programs, avoid screen media for children less than 2 years of age, and be a good role model for them.
"Avoid use of media as an electronic baby-sitter."
Summary retrieved from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/126/5/1012.full
American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy Statement - Media Education
Council on Communication and Media
