What is the National Institute on Media and the Family?
Founded by psychologist David Walsh, Ph.D. in 1996, the Institute is a nonprofit, national resource center for research, information, and education about the impact of the media on children and families.

What is the Mission of the National Institute on Media and the Family?
The mission of the National Institute on Media and the Family is to maximize the benefits and minimize the harm of media on children and families through research, education, and advocacy. The Institute is a national resource that provides educational tools and materials to help parents, teachers, community leaders, and other caring adults understand the impact of the media, so they can make informed choices for children.

Is the Institute affiliated with any political group?
No. The National Institute is not affiliated with any political or religious organization. We do develop partnerships with national organizations and corporations who are committed to maximizing the benefits and minimizing the harm of media on children and families.

Is the Institute trying to censor the media?
Absolutely not. The National Institute on Media and the Family does not endorse censorship of any kind. We fully support the United States Bill of Rights and honor the important freedom bestowed on us with the First Amendment.

The Institute seeks to educate, to inform, and to provide parents and other caregivers with the information they need to make appropriate choices for their children. We develop tools to help parents and other caring adults understand media's impact on children. With that goal in mind, we have developed KidScore, the content-based ratings system on media products that are likely to affect children.
Click here to discover tools that are currently available.

What is the MediaWise movement?
Launched in 2001, MediaWise is a national movement designed to help concerned adults watch what your kids watch by building public awareness of the epidemic of media violence, establishing community-based training and education programs, and commissioning careful research to monitor the ongoing effects of media's influence on children.

Why does the Institute put so much emphasis on excessive use of, and violence in, the media?
The statistics are staggering. Excessive media use among our children has been linked to:

• Increased rates of obesity;
• Impaired brain development, including a proclivity for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder;
• Poor academic performance and lower reading scores;
• Behavioral problems, ranging from rampant disrespect and bad attitudes to acts of violence and aggression;
• Increased tobacco use and underage drinking;
• Sexual activity at an early age.

How do I get involved with the Institute and the MediaWise movement?
There are many ways to get involved with the Institute's work. For starters, make sure you are signed up to receive the MediaWise eNews so that you can keep up-to-date on the latest research and hot topics concerning media's impact on kids. Also, join the MediaWise Network for tons of FREE guides on a wide range of topics including, Cell Phones Usage, Advertising and MySpace.com. Finally, consider giving a gift to the Institute. We rely on your support for every program, tool, and resource we bring to parents and teachers nationwide.

Can I volunteer for the Institute?
Yes! We'd love for you to get involved directly with our staff and programs! Please click here for more information.

I'm doing a research project. Do you have information and research on topics pertaining to media's impact on kids?
We have just the resources for you! For quick facts and a wealth of rich citations, please check out our Facts and Tips page. Also, visit our research page for up-to-date studies and information on topics ranging from media violence to music. If you don't find what you are looking for please let us know!

Do you have MediaWise products that I can purchase for my home, school, or organization?
The Institute's award winning products make it easier for parents, teachers, and other professionals across the country to make wise media choices. Check out Dr. Dave's books, MediaWise DVDs, education kits, games and more at the MediaWise Store.

Can I invite a MediaWise Speaker to speak to my organization?
Speakers from the National Institute on Media and the Family are among the most sought-after presenters on topics related to media's impact on children, families, and communities. Please request a speaker today!

Will there be a MediaWise presentation in my area soon?
Our speakers speak almost everyday in cities and towns across the country. Please check out the speaking calendar to see if a MediaWise speaker will be visiting your area soon. If not, consider requesting a speaker for an event in your community.

Do you have materials that specifically address Early Childhood?
Yes we do! Our program through-u - Families Become MediaWise® gives parents, educators, and community leaders the tools they need to make wise media choices that set kids up for success in school and in life. Check out the through-u Web site for more information.

How can I help my child adopt a healthier lifestyle?
Our program Switch™- Active Lifestyle from MediaWise is breaking new ground as the first healthy lifestyles program in the country to give parents and communities the tools they need to address all three major contributing factors to childhood obesity: activity level, diet AND screen time. The Switch program makes it fun for kids to Switch what they Do, View, and Chew™. Explore the ways to raise healthier, happier kids on the Switch Web site

What is Say Yes to No?
Based on Dr. Walsh's latest award winning book, No, Why Kids - of All Ages - Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It, Say Yes to No is a grassroots MediaWise campaign igniting community conversations around raising healthy, self-reliant kids so they will be successful in school and life. Check out the Say Yes to No Web site to learn more!