Media literacy can start at any age and can be part of your everyday life. One way of doing that could be highlighting to children the various aspects of the content while watching a movie or a video with your children. This will also give you an opportunity to explain why certain aspects, e.g. violence, vulgarities, gambling, are not suitable for them, while the family has fun learning together. In addition, this method also enables children to relate what you are teaching to what they are watching, reading or listening to, hence, subconsciously learning about media literacy and good social values.
The most important thing is for parents and guardians to be aware and be involved in your children’s choice of media consumption. Here are some simple tips for parents and guardians to be pro-active in becoming aware of and managing the media content their children have access to.
Simple Tips
Here are some simple tips for parents and guardians to be pro-active in becoming aware of and managing the media content their children have access to:
· READ REVIEWS. There are various websites for parents that offer movie reviews, with writers from average individuals to seasoned film critics. Examples of such websites are Parents Preview and Kids in Mind
· SHARE RECOMMENDATIONS. Talk to other parents and share your recommendations on films that are suitable for children or for the entire family.
· CHECK RATINGS. The Board of Film Classification (BFC) maintains a classification database. You can check the Films Classification Database for the rating and consumer advice (if any) of the film or video. This may include a description of the type of content you may encounter in the film.
· KEEP TABS AND TICKET STUBS. If your child is going to the cinemas, it is also good to know who accompanies your child and which film they are watching by requesting that they retain the ticket stub.
· START MOVIE NIGHTS. Watch the video with your child. Make viewing fun by having a "family movie night," when you pick a movie and everyone watches it together. Use this as an opportunity to introduce your kids to various genres and encourage film appreciation.
· ILLUSTRATE ISSUES. Use movie content as an opportunity to discuss issues with your child such as racial stereotyping, violence, smoking, sex, language, drug and alcohol use. Avoid being preachy and everyone will have a good time.
· KEEP OUT OF REACH Avoid placing or loosely storing videos with restricted ratings (i.e. NC16, M18) around the house if you do not wish for your children to have easy access to such content.
· IN PLAIN SIGHT. Avoid having a TV and VCR/DVD player in children's bedrooms, where you can't monitor what or how much they're watching.
Voice Your Concerns
· RESTRICT VIDEOS. Ask your local video store to put a restriction on your video rental account that will prevent your kids from renting or buying movies with restricted ratings. Most family-friendly stores will respect such requests.
· TELL THE SCHOOL. If you're troubled by the movies shown to your child at school, voice your concerns to the teacher or the administration. Be ready with some good alternative titles. Parents should have a say in the number of movies used in the classroom, and their quality.