My weird background of journalism, advertising, advocacy, and parenthood blend into a Molotov cocktail of media literacy, so when it comes to playing ‘spot the spin’ it’s pretty hard to snow me. Ergo, Warner Brothers' Happy Feet cartoon penguins cozying up with pharmaceutical giant Roche to give parents a dose of ‘flu fact awareness’ leaves me … [Read more...]
Three-quarters of girls age 8-12 would like to change something about their bodies, and by 16 more than one-quarter already want plastic surgery? Egad. I decided to track the Dove self-esteem forum to review the most recent 48 hours of 'teenspeak' and see how much these stats are 'media spin' or over-reporting. Not many, I'm afraid. Check it out... Dialogue has now surged … [Read more...]
The next time you have a random zinger of a question about kids’ behavior, health, food, or challenges, take advantage of myriad online experts in digital media. There’s a wealth of knowledge free for the asking in a wide array of disciplines: Children's mental health. Teen conundrums. Baby sleep issues. Gifted children. Media habits. From children’s … [Read more...]
Is tuna still ok for kids? There’s been lots of controversy about the government repeatedly downplaying the hazards of mercury in fish, yet tuna is still being marketed to kids with ol’ cartoon Charlie. Is it safe or not? Also, is Trix toning down their dyes? Find out in this short Shaping Youth Q&A with nutritionist Connie Evers. But first! Kids' food marketing … [Read more...]
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Aretha earned it. Lindsay wants it. Paris lacks it. Beyoncé & Britney had it, hit some high notes, then vamped it away.Our media culture is so fraught with ‘trashy party girl’ celebrity coverage and peekaboo wardrobe malfunctions papering the blogosphere, it’s no wonder kids’ behavioral cues are getting fouled up beyond recognition.What goes into kids’ minds … [Read more...]
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