Experts agree that parents and caregivers are the most influential people in the lives of young people. Peers also have a great influence as well. One of the greatest challenges facing parents and caregivers is trying to communicate with young people about the influence media and technology have on their lives. In order to talk with your child or adolescent, it is important for both of you to understand the purposes of the media. All the different forms of media (Internet, TV, books, movies, music, newspapers, radio, magazines, etc.) can:

• Entertain
• Inform
• Persuade

Media can influence people’s attitudes and decisions about many things such as politics, religion, what we buy, how we act, and how we feel about ourselves (self-esteem) and each other.

When young people leave the house, parents usually ask where they are going and whom they are with. They should take the same approach with media use. Parents need to watch the TV programs that their young person watches to know the content; they need to read the printed material and visit the Web sites their children are seeing to understand what they are exposed to and whether it is acceptable.

Together with the young person, parents and caregivers need to develop rules about what, when, and what type of programs and Internet sites are acceptable for the young person. Very important in this discussion is how much time can be spent in media activities.

Young people can make suggestions about alternative activities they enjoy doing. Some of these alternative activities should involve physical activity. Parents and caregivers should LISTEN to ideas from youth. Here are some ideas:

• Walk with friends.
• Read.
• Play sports or games with friends.
• Go roller skating/inline skating.
• Talk with friends.
• Go on an outing with a family member.
• Do assigned household chores.

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