The Impact of Media: Teaching Teens to Think for Themselves

What Parents Can Do #2: Make Sense of the Messages
1. Use controversial content as an opportunity to talk about your family’s values
2. Observe and discuss your teen’s media preferences so she is aware of why she is attracted to certain content.
3. Play devil’s advocate to help her assess media’s value and appropriateness.
4. Encourage your teen to be active. Be sure they participate in offline as well as online relationships.
5. Make a family moratorium on media for one week each year—set a good example yourself!

By Susan M. Novick