APRIL 2002

Children, the Family, and the Mass Media:
What do We Know? What are the Solutions?

Speakers were:
European Perspective on Mass Media's Influence on Children and Families.
By Dr. Ingrid Geretschleager - a media literacy expert working all over Europe and also with the Austrian film classification system. Her efforts have resulted in the creation and dissemination of some innovative media literacy materials. She not only sees a logical link between film classification and media literacy, but actively works on providing resources to increase and improve parent media management. She works on the European initiative called "Youth Protection," which includes media classification and media education. She has many successful associations and publications which serve as examples of best practices, useful models, and successful community oriented programs.

The Alberta/Canada Perspective
Sharon McCann -- Head of Alberta's Film Classification department -- discussed movie ratings from the Canadian perspective.

Grading The Movies For Families And Educators
Rod Gustafson -- Creator of Grading The Movies, an internationally syndicated movie review column and web publication for families -- looked at movie content and showed how ratings are just the starting point for parents to gain adequate information.

Research On Kids And The Media
Wayne Blair -- President of AAMA and expert in media eduction and technology -- reviewed the latest research on kids and media.