Author: Diane E. Levin

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13:

Ever since television became a daily staple of U.S. family life, its influence on children has been the subject of study and debate. No aspect of the debate has been more heated than violence in the media. But a growing knowledge base has shifted the focus of the debate from whether media violence contributes to violence in real life to what can be done to deal with and reduce the violence. This book, written for both teachers and parents, aims to inspire creation of a "village" that supports the development of more positive media and media culture for children. The guide is divided into three parts. Part 1 gives background information on media, media violence, and the media culture and how it affects children. Part 2 discusses classroom strategies for working effectively with children on the full range of ways media, media violence, and media culture touch their lives. Part 3 describes strategies for working on media issues outside the classroom, with parents, in schools, and in the wider community. Throughout the book is information detailing the important issues underlying each topic, as well as guidelines to clarify how to address these issues, action ideas for how to begin, and numerous examples illustrating how teachers, parents, and others in the wider community have translated the suggestions into practice in their particular settings. The "Resources" section includes a bibliography, selected videos on media violence and children, selected children's books with annotations, organizations, national TV networks, government officials, and major toy manufacturers and retailers. Appendices present the NAEYC Position Statement on Media Violence in Children's Lives, sample materials from a community activity, and a sample flyer from a local event. (Contains 19 references.) (EV)