Preface
Acknowledgments
pt. I. Theoretical context
1. Introduction
First encounters
Definitions and central ideas
Communication models
Theoretical perspectives
Historical overview
Summary
For further consideration
Resources on the Web
References
2. The developing child and teen
A child's perceptions
Cognitive processes
Sense-making activities : what is real?
Fantasy, imagination, and creativity
Media perceptual characteristics by age
New expression and youth communication in Chicago
Summary
For further consideration
References
3. Generations and history
The GI generation as civic generation
The silent or beat generation as adaptive
The baby boomers as idealists
Generation X as reactive
Generation Y or millennials as civic
Summary
For further consideration
References
pt. II. Audience reactions
4. Perceptions of fantasy and reality
What is real
Developmental stages and fear
Children's responses to major news events
Journalists and children in the news
Strategies for reducing fears
September 11, 2001
Fictionalized news
Advertising and the program-length commercial
Summary
For further consideration
Resources on the Web
References
5. Effects
A history of concerns with media effects : audience, researchers, industry, and government
Tools of the social scientist
Theories used in effects research
Summary
For further consideration
References
6. Diverse children find identity in diverse messages
Learning theory and schema theory
The development of ethnic minority mass media images
Children's identity and gender
Results of gender images in advertising and media
Children and consumer socialization
Summary
Resources on the Web
References
pt. III. Empowering audiences
7. Role of parents and families
Family communication patterns
Mediation involving sexuality and violence
Suggestions for parents
Summary
For further consideration
References
8. Media literacy and positive effects
The diary of a young girl
Media literacy : reading and writing texts
Prosocial messages, worldview, and strategies
Agreement on key concepts in media literacy
Disagreements in the media literacy debates
Media literacy and research
Summary
For further consideration
Resources on the Web
References
9. Policy and law
The First Amendment
Public pressure
The FCC and ACT in the 1970s
The CTA of 1990
The V-chip
Ratings for television
Ratings of movies, music, and game industries
Internet protection from indecency unconstitutional
Alternatives to legislation on Internet indecency
The questions of privacy on the Internet
Summary
For further consideration
Resources on the Web
References
10. Children's programming
The business of children's broadcasting and cable
Listening to children and teens
Listening to parents
New media : the big X factor
New partnerships : Noggin
International markets
Both partners and competitors
Summary
Resources on the Web
References
Glossary
Author index
Subject index.