These resources can help counteract the effects of media marketing on children. For a list of suggestions that can be used to reduce or deflect a child’s urges for the latest advertised toy, read about Buy Me Busters Ideas .
Organizations
Peace Educators Allied for Children Everywhere (P.E.A.C.E.)
55 Frost St., Cambridge, MA 02140, (617) 661-8347;
www.peaceeducators.org or 1peaceeducators@gmail.com
P.E.A.C.E., which sponsors this sheet, is a network of parents, teachers, and other concerned individuals who are dedicated to creating a safe world for our children, including the removal of the root causes of violence through peace, justice, and economic opportunity
TRUCE: Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children’s Entertainment
160 Lakeview Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138;
www.truceteachers.org opens in a new tab
TRUCE works to raise public awareness of the harmful influence of unhealthy children’s entertainment, and to provide parents and educators with information about toys and activities for healthy play. TRUCE publishes an annual toy action guide and a media action guide.
Fairplay for Kids
CCFC, Non-Profit Center, 89 South St., #403, Boston, MA 02111, 617-896-9368;
fairplayforkids.org opens in a new tab
CCFC is a coalition of organizations that educate and advocate against the exploitation of children by corporate marketers. CCFC conducts an annual summit and demonstration to oppose the continued intrusion of marketers into children’s lives, and publishes an e-newsletter. See Linn, below
Center for a New American Dream
455 2nd Street SE, Suite 101, Charlottesville, VA 22902; 301-891-3683;
newdream.org opens in a new tab or newdream@newdream.org
The Center publishes a number of studies and periodicals “to reduce and shift consumption to enhance quality of life and protect the environment”. The publications include Tips for Parenting in a Commercial Culture, and the More Fun, Less Stuff bumper sticker. Free subscriptions to the Center’s e-newsletter are available on the website.
Alliance for Childhood
P.P.O. Box 19002, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 387-8030
www.allianceforchildhood.org opens in a new tab
The Alliance for Childhood advocates to restore play in children’s lives, especially in nature; to reduce the effect of screen media on children; to eliminate high-stakes testing; to reduce the commercialization of childhood; to teach peace to children; and to reduce childhood obesity.
Books
Taking Back Childhood: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Fast-Paced, Media-Saturated, Violence-Filled World opens in a new tab
Nancy Carlsson-Paige
Hudson St. Press, 2008
An offering of many steps we adults can take to restore the essential building blocks of healthy child development.
Beyond Remote-Controlled Childhood: Teaching Young Children in the Media Age opens in a new tab
Author: Diane E. Levin
NAEYC, Washington, DC 2013
This valuable book helps teachers, parents, and others make informed decisions about the exposure of young children to screen media and other marketing aimed at them.
What Kids Really Want That Money Can’t Buy: Tips for Parenting in a Commercial World opens in a new tab
Author: Betsy Taylor
Warner Books, NY, 2003
The Center for a New American Dream asked America’s children: “What do you want that money can’t buy?” This book includes excerpts from over 2,000 responses from children of all ages to that question, and it also provides resources and strategies for parenting wisely in a commercial world.
The High Price of Materialism opens in a new tab
Author: Tim Kasser
MIT Press, 2002
Kasser, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Knox College, offers in this book a scientific explanation of how our contemporary culture of consumerism and materialism affects our everyday happiness and psychological health. He also proposes ways we can change ourselves, our families, and society to become less materialistic.
Consuming Kids: The Hostile Takeover of Childhood opens in a new tab
Author: Susuan Linn
Anchor, 2005
A call to action to protect children from commercial exploitation that’s taking them over.
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