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Book Review of Screen Smarts: A Family Guide to Media Literacy

Screen Smarts: A Family Guide to Media Literacy
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From Booklist
Media literacy--the intentional, evaluative, and knowledgeable use of visual media--transforms TV's noisy flash into a learning experience for children of all ages. Former teacher DeGaetano and former TV producer Bander carefully articulate the impact of television on children's physical, mental, and emotional development. They review in detail the effects of screen violence, the effectiveness of screen advertising, and the illusory stereotypes presented in television programs. Each chapter proposes skills, activities, and techniques for counteracting negative outcomes and transforming media viewing into an opportunity for analysis, discussion, and learning. A final chapter presents additional enjoyable yet educational activities, and a lengthy appendix lists a broad array of available resources. Both children and parents may benefit from this rich, detailed, and practical handbook to one of the major social forces of our times.