Why Do We Care about Media’s Influence on Children?

Paradigms of Empowerment and Protection

Media and ChildrenFall 2012

Renee Hobbs

Development Happens: The Whole Human Being

• Physical

• Cognitive

• Emotional

• Social

• Moral/Ethical

Videos Document Human Development as a Process

Protection - Empowerment: A Two-Sided Coin

Protection

Empowerment

Fool’s Gold

• What are the essential ingredients for healthy child development?

• What’s wrong with trying to “speed up” the cognitive development of children?

• How may early computer use affect the child’s body?

• How may computer use affect social and emotional development?

• How may computer use affect creativity and intellectual development?

• What is the difference between interactive and non-interactive media? Is it important? Why or why not?

• Why is screen media not recommended for children under age 2?

• What are examples of “appropriate” and “inappropriate” uses of technology?

• What kinds of equity issues exist in children’s use of technology?

• What benefits does interactive technology offer to children? How may digital media empower children and families?