Parenting for the digital age : the truth behind media's effect on children, and what to do about it

From how to deal with cyberbullying to the strange, true stories behind __Barbie__ and __G.I. Joe__, media insider Bill Ratner takes an inside look at our wired-up world in a fascinating book—part memoir, part parenting guide—for the digital age. Landing his first job in advertising at age fourteen, Ratner learned early that the media doesn't necessarily have our best interests at heart. His career as one of America's most popular voiceover artists and his life as a parent and educator gives readers a first-hand look at the effects of digital media on children and what you can do about it. Bill Ratner, a long-time Hollywood insider and voice of their movie trailers, explores with in-depth research the change in advertising since 1982 and what children are currently exposed to. As a parent, educator, and veteran insider to the world of television, movies, and new media, Ratner talks openly about the problems associated with excessive screen time, children's advertising, and what parents can do about it I. Challenges. The TV broke, Daddy How we came to this The brotherhood of radio stations Betty Crocker- meeting th myth My Dad's big speech Barbie TV cartoon bonanza: the G.I. Joe Chronicles TV promo world The scorching lure of the media Cyber manners Okay, I'll be honest II. Solutions. How to start a babysitting co-op TV cartoon scandals- media awareness for children What the shrink said The moth Families talk. "Advertsining and the media have targeted our children ... And if anyone would know, it's Bill Ratner. [He] uncovers the truth about children's advertising, the problems associated with excessive screen time, and ... what parents can do about it."--Back cover