Using Media Wisely
While media is an easy way to occupy children, as Mr. Rogers says, "We need to think of the children first."
"Please think of the children first. If you ever have anything to do with their entertainment, their food, their toys, their custody, their day or night care, their education—listen to the children, learn about them, learn from them. Think of the children first."
- Fred Rogers
"Please think of the children first. If you ever have anything to do with their entertainment, their food, their toys, their custody, their day or night care, their education—listen to the children, learn about them, learn from them. Think of the children first."
- Fred Rogers
This is wonderful advise to keep in mind as we make choices about what media to use with our children and how we use it. The best advise we can give is to be intentional in the way we use media with children.
five tips for using media wisely
1. Interact with your child while using media. Young children need guidance and personal interaction in order to learn.
2. Make sure the media used fits your family's values.
3. Talk with your children about what they have seen and how they have used media.
4. If using media to keep children occupied while waiting, such as at the doctor's office, use it with them. Look at the pictures on your phone. Talk about who and what you see.
5. Be aware of advertising. It is everywhere, not just on the television. Use parental controls to block pop-ups on the computer. Advertisers are really good at getting attention. Be prepared for children to desire what they see advertised.
2. Make sure the media used fits your family's values.
3. Talk with your children about what they have seen and how they have used media.
4. If using media to keep children occupied while waiting, such as at the doctor's office, use it with them. Look at the pictures on your phone. Talk about who and what you see.
5. Be aware of advertising. It is everywhere, not just on the television. Use parental controls to block pop-ups on the computer. Advertisers are really good at getting attention. Be prepared for children to desire what they see advertised.