Vote today in the bad toy contest

cell phone monkey

It’s the TOADY. I do enjoy this annual contest, to select the worst toy of the year, as a counterpoint to the Toy of the Year award – the TOTY – which is sponsored by the toy industry. Sometimes the choices in both contests are strikingly … [Read more...]

The ongoing great digital experiment on the brain development of children

Going to school

Recently, two organizations surveyed teachers to learn their opinions of how digital technologies and media are effecting students, both academically and socially. The results were fascinating and if you have the time, take a look at the reports, … [Read more...]

"See something? Say something." Advertising version

"See something? Say something." Advertising version

"Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?" I had decided to get lunch at a new restaurant in town. I believe in supporting local business. Then I saw this cute little marketing card on the counter. And it made me feel not so good about … [Read more...]

Fashion photo retoucher says "No more"

Fashion photo retoucher says "No more"

Speaking of Brave… This Los Angeles man, Roy A. Cui, a digital photo retoucher, is giving up a large part of his livelihood – retouching photographs in the fashion and beauty industry – because of the harm that unrealistic images in the media … [Read more...]

Around the web raising awareness of harmful messages to children

Around the web raising awareness of harmful messages to children

 For today, media messages to children that parents should be aware of:Shaping Youth: Boys, Body Image and Sexualization: An Equal Opportunity Destroyer Shaping Youth photoChristian Science Monitor: Disney bans junk-food ads, but seeks to … [Read more...]

Slather on some Positive Marketing this summer

Slather on some Positive Marketing this summer

Today I am introducing a new series highlighting individuals who are creating media or marketing products with positive messages for children and youth, and individuals using their creativity to promote media literacy among the young.Since we are … [Read more...]

A reading list from the @mktgchildhood Twitter timeline

A reading list from the @mktgchildhood Twitter timeline

Time again for a roundup of interesting reading I have found and posted on Twitter with a focus on the topic of selling our kids to the highest bidder.(Do you follow me on Twitter? If you are interested in the topics we talk about here, then please … [Read more...]

BOOK – Gender stereotypes: How boys are harmed by the media’s twisted portrayal of how to be a man

Book Review The Achilles Effect: What Pop Culture is Teaching Young Boys about MasculinityMy son picked up my copy of The Achilles Effect, by Crystal Smith, and started reading aloud about toy action figures that have bulked up to superhuman … [Read more...]

New report puts numbers to sexualization of girls on television

New report puts numbers to sexualization of girls on television

You already know that television is full of inappropriate and unhealthy sexual content for children and teens. If you need any more reasons to turn it off and speak out, take a look at a new report by the Parents Television Council that documents the … [Read more...]

Body hate is up. Let’s change the conversation.

In the latest disturbing news, research published in the December issue of Pediatrics finds that eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are on the rise, and is showing up in new places: among younger children, boys, minorities and lower income … [Read more...]

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