• National Institute collaborates on Emmy winner
• Video and computer game research
• Tools to test if you're "MediaWise"
• Tools to make the media family friendly

A Twin Cities NBC affiliate KARE 11-TV segment, produced with cooperation from the National Institute on Media and the Family, won a Regional Emmy Award in October (1998). The segment, "Barney^TM vs. the Power Rangers^TM," featured an experiment where children in a day-care center watched these two popular shows. The children's post-playtime behavior was noticeably more aggressive after watching the Power Rangers when compared to watching Barney.

The Institute's web site recently won a Star Rating from the Awesome Library -- a virtual Internet library sponsored by the Evaluation and Development Institute (EDI). Star Ratings are only given to two percent of the Library's some 10,000 resource links. Check Awesome Library at www.awesomelibrary.org.

The Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce selected the National Institute's Smoke and Mirrors: Media Literacy & Tobacco curriculum for a 1998 Quality of Life Award. The Award recognizes initiatives that go above the normal order of business to enhance the quality of life for communities. Smoke and Mirrors teaches children how to assess and resist tobacco advertising messages.

"As easy as killing babies with axes." That's how Carmageddon, an example of the genre of popular computer games, promotes how fun murder can be. And, according to 1998 Video and Computer Game Report Card, there is growing evidence that the primary audience for the "murder is fun" marketing message is kids.

"Our research shows that most parents are unaware of these games and their content," explains David Walsh, Ph.D. "Unfortunately, this group of games is very popular with children and teenagers."

Since it was first issued in 1995, the Video and Computer Game Report Card assesses compliance with the rating system for video and computer games that are sold or rented or that are played in arcades. And since there has been tremendous growth in the on-line gaming market, the 1998 Report Card expanded its study to cover Internet game sites. Although this was not a scientific study, Dr. Walsh said he hopes the results will provide valuable information.

To compile the 1998 Report Card, the National Institute on Media and the Family conducted a national telephone survey with more than 500 parents from all socio-economic groups. Staff visited arcades in several states and conducted on-line reviews of Internet games sites. This information was used to track the industry's implementation and monitoring of the rating system.  In addition, panels of trained media raters each viewed samples from more than 50 popular electronic games.

For a complete review of the results of the 1998 (and 1999!) Report Cards, use the following links:

• 1998 Video and Computer Game Report Card
• 1999 Video and Computer Game Report Card

Don't assume that "game" means it's okay for kids. While most games are fun and appropriate for kids, there is a group that promotes murder as entertainment.

Become more knowledgeable and involved in supervising children's purchases, rentals and play.

Be aware that adult games are being marketed to children. Use the video game ratings (KidScore®) to select age-appropriate games for children.

Set -- and enforce -- time limits on the use of all computer and video games.

The National Conference of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) recently awarded the Institute a 1999 Research Award for the 1998 Video and Computer Game Report Card.

Check it out. Every month during the school year the Institute posts a new activity and quiz on its web site. These interactive tools are easy to download and reproduce for use in the classrooms or at home. Best of all -- THEY'RE FREE.

You see the impact of media on children every day-- anger, disrespect, violence. What can you do about it?

MediaWise is a complete kit that you can use to teach families to successfully manage media in the home. This flexible program has everything you'll need to lead lively discussions with parents.

To order: Call toll-free 888.672-5437 or use our Order Form.

"MediaWise does an outstanding job of providing meaningful opportunities for parents to learn about the powerful influence of media on children's lives." Jonathan Laabs, Executive Director of the Lutheran Education Association.