Newsletter: September 2016
Media Health Matters
September 2016

 
 

Learn about Stereotypes this September!

It can be easy to spot certain stereotypes in today’s media, such as the sporty jock and the shy bookworm. Movies, music, TV shows, and the news often use our popular-but usually inaccurate-beliefs about race, religion, ethnicity, and intelligence to color how they portray people and inform a story.

Everything from lighting, to clothes, to background music, and narration can be used to manipulate how you feel about a person or character. Exposure to media stereotypes can affect how you and your children feel about individuals and groups of people who are different, and in some cases, increase or decrease your child’s own self-esteem. Help your child recognize media stereotypes and learn to understand, respect and appreciate others differences. Here are three tips to get started:
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  • Teach yourself – There are countless TED Talks, articles, and even apps that can help you learn about racism and how to confront your own biases.
  • Talk to your kids – Watch TV shows, videos, and other media with your child and point out any stereotypes. Discuss and compare them to the real-world people you know. 
  • Reach out to others – encourage kids to become pen pals or social media buddies, through a school or other service project, with someone from a different community or country! Discuss with kids the differences and similarities they discovered about their new friends and what they appreciate about them.
 
 

Ask the Mediatrician


How can I protect my child from inappropriate comments online?

The Mediatrician Speaks
Watch the Mediatrician give back-to-school tips regarding your child’s media use!

 
 

Back to School 2016


Start the school year off right with these 
6 practical tips from CMCH!

Press 


Dr. Rich and other experts discuss the misinformation surrounding screen time in this article for The Verge.