The California State PTA believes it is necessary to develop an informed public of children and adults who will selectively limit media input, carefully select televisions programing, and who will be able to understand explicit and implicit media messaging. PTA further believes that digital literacy skills should be included in the K-12 curriculum in the schools and encouraged by the parents in the home.
Definitions:
Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet in a responsible way.
Develop Digital Literacy skills:
- Be selective regarding the media children use;
- Distinguish between fantasy and reality; and
- Recognize gender stereotypes and racial prejudices portrayed in the media.
Good media skills are a family affair and promote valuable discussion among family members. Parents need to recognize the powerful influence of commercial advertising and the potential impact that it has on their children. Parents should teach children about internet safety and how to be good digital citizens.
Recommended Actions for Schools and PTAs
Mass Media:
- Review California State PTA Mass Media Position Statement.
- Obtain and promote PTA materials pertaining to digital literacy.
- Sponsor parent/staff workshop(s) to learn how media use affects children.
- Plan programs on digital citizenship.
Television Programming:
- Review California State PTA Resolutions—Television Literacy and Program Accountability, Opposition To Televised Commercials In California Classrooms, Quality of Life Portrayed on Television, Television Literacy and Program Accountability and Television/Screen Time Awareness—and Position Statement Television Programming.
- Keep parents informed of appropriate, entertaining and educational television programming for young people.
- Promote a “no television” day or week.
Digital Citizenship:
- Connect with PTA partners specializing in mass media and digital citizenship
- Common Sense Media
- Cable Impacts Foundation (formerly Cable in the Classroom)
Recommended Actions at Home
To promote safe and responsible digital literacy, parents should:
- Teach children to harness the power of the internet and digital technology for learning and life.
- Use the media together as a family.
- Discuss expectations for media and technology use. Balance screen time with other activities. Set time limits.
- Translate your family values to the digital world.
- Teach young children early how to make good choices so they can take advantage of the powerful technologies available to them.
