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National PTA > Topics > Child Safety > Media Safety

Media Safety

As technology advances, communication needs and habits change as well. Children are becoming consumers of electronic information at earlier ages. Their skills at navigating digital media can even overwhelm some parents. And their access to questionable content increases as well. This is why safe practices are paramount for television viewing, video game playing, and movie watching.

National PTA feels that it's the responsibility of parents, teachers, and other caregivers to control children's exposure to electronic media and to promote their media literacy. The resources offered here will help parents fulfill these responsibilities.

Parent Guides

Tip Sheet: Guiding Your Family's Media and Technology Use
Category: Cell Phones

Tip Sheet: Guiding Your Family's Media and Technology Use
Category: Video Games

Tip Sheet: Guiding Your Family's Media and Technology Use
Category: Internet

Tip Sheet: Guiding Your Family's Media and Technology Use
Category: Movies

Tip Sheet: Guiding Your Family's Media and Technology Use
Category: Music

Tip Sheet: Guiding Your Family's Media and Technology Use
Category: Television

Guiando Su Familia en el uso de Medios y Tecnología Algunos Concejos
Categoría: Internet

Guiando Su Familia en el uso de Medios y Tecnología Algunos Concejos
Categoría: Categoría: Videojuegos

Guiando Su Familia en el uso de Medios y Tecnología Algunos Concejos
Categoría: Teléfonos celulares

Guiando Su Familia en el uso de Medios y Tecnología Algunos Concejos
Categoría: Películas

Guiando Su Familia en el uso de Medios y Tecnología Algunos Concejos
Categoría: Música

Guiando Su Familia en el uso de Medios y Tecnología Concejos
Categoría: Televisión

PTA Publications & Presentations

Watching Movies With Your Children
How to make watching movies a fulfilling family activity.

Proper TV Viewing Habits for Children
Tips for improving your child's TV viewing habits.

Video Game Safety Strategies
Important tips for creating a safe video game playing environment for your children.

Reducing Kids' Screen Time
Methods for getting kids involved in activities away from TV screens and monitors.

Third Party Resources

Online-Enabled Video Games (short form video from webcast)

Parental Controls (short-form video from webcast)

ESRB Video Game Rating System (short-form video from webcast)

Webcast: Parental Guidance on Video Game Ratings

Additional Resources

A Parent’s Guide to Video Games, Parental Controls and Online Safety
An informational guide for parents from the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

Spanish Version - Parent's Guide to Video Games, Parental Controls and Online Safety
ESRB guide in Spanish.

Microsoft PACT Tool to Promote Healthy Media Use
A tool to help parents decide what types of media are appropriate for children and how they may use them.

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