Sexualized Media Messages and Our Children: Teaching Kids to be Smart Critics and Consumers (Childhood in America) - Hardcover

"(Shewmaker) successfully demonstrates the impact of sexualized media on children and how parents and professionals can teach children to be media critics . . . clearly written, well-supported and engaging . . . this eye-opening book contributes a well-researched, practical solution to a major problem affecting children and adolescents, as well as a call to action by parents and professionals." - Journal for Youth and Adolescence "Using the ideas and suggestions in this book, both individuals and groups of children could be helped to become sophisticated reactors to powerful media influences that focus on their potential as sexual objects. The book is clearly written, and the chapters are well referenced with research literature in the field. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals, and general readers." - Choice

This provocative book takes a look at children's consumption of sexualized media messages while providing parents, teachers, and professionals with strategies for abating their influence. * Provides a quick overview of previous works in child development, communication, and education * Discusses four mediating variables influencing children's values: culture of celebrity, family factors, gender, and community systems * Includes an "In Their Voices" section featuring specific responses from children, adolescents, parents, and professionals * Covers television, movies, music, and other media * Demonstrates the impact of both positive and negative media messages