This book argues that it is time for Americans to rebuild their television system and that translating the public interest into a commitment to the nation's children will take time, education, and public debate. The book affirms that American adults need to consider what public interest means with respect to those who are too young to vote, who…

Children Now is an independent children's advocacy group that promotes solutions to problems facing American children, with particular attention to the needs of those who are poor or at risk. The group provides policy expertise and up-to-date information on the status of children. Children Now's Children and the Media Program works to improve the…

Ever since television became a daily staple of U.S. family life, its influence on children has been the subject of study and debate. No aspect of the debate has been more heated than violence in the media. But a growing knowledge base has shifted the focus of the debate from whether media violence contributes to violence in real life to what can…

This handbook analyzes effects on children of traditional media, such as television, film, and advertising; and new media, such as the Internet and video games. The chapters are: (1) "The History of Children's Use of Electronic Media" (Paik); (2) "Free Reading: Implications for Child Development" (Desmond); (3) "The Use of…