Connect more…with your teen’s emotions

Caution: Media Hazards

Use media as a discussion starter – look for teachable moments
You can use messages from the media (TV, music, and ads) to talk with your kids about tough issues like alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Even talking during commercials can help promote a positive relationship with your child. In many ways, these “teachable moments” may be more effective than long, planned discussions, when kids are likely to tune out.

Keep TV, video games, and computers out of their bedrooms
Do not put video games, TV and computers in a child's room where they can shut the door and isolate themselves. It is easier to know what your children are doing when it is not done behind closed doors.

Keep the TV off during meal time
Take this time to talk with each other. The family meal is important because it gives you the chance to be together after a hectic day, to discuss, debate, support one another, and laugh together. Research shows that children do better in all areas of life, when their families have regular dinners (without the TV on).

Make sure teens understand your TV, movie, video game, and chat room guidelines
Set limits to the time your children spend watching TV or movies, playing video games, and surfing the Internet. Use these things as a reward for good behavior such as getting all their homework done. Teach your children about things on the Internet that concern you (such as pornography, violence and hate sites) and tell them to notify you immediately if they encounter such material. Make clear your expectations for what kinds of movies, TV programs, videos and Internet sites they are allowed to see.

Consider using parental blocks (e.g. V-Chip)
Take notice of the number of parental blocks on the market today. Consider using your Internet service provider's parental controls. These controls can block access to certain Web pages, chat rooms, newsgroups and other Internet resources that are not fit for children. Purchase blocking software for your computer. These programs block access to certain objectionable sites and prevent children from disclosing personal information on the Internet. Another block is the V-chip, a technology that lets parents block television programming they don't want their children to watch. The V-Chip electronically reads television-programming ratings and allows parents to block programs they believe are unsuitable for their children.

Teen brains are in a “use it, lose it” process; teen brains need real life experiences
If a teen is doing sports, music, and academics, those are the connections that will be hard-wired. If they are playing video games and watching too much TV, those are the cells and connections that are going to survive. Which is more important?

Websites:
www.mediafamily.org - National Institute for Media and the Family
www.warningsigns.info - Parenting with Dignity presents Warning Signs
www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/index.cfm - Media Awareness Network: Practical tips for helping parents manage media in the home