Media, Children and

Modern childhood is frequently characterized as media-saturated. Media technologies are frequently viewed as fundamental to growing up in the 21st century and as central agents of change in relation to children’s experiences of childhood. For some, media are seen to be exposing children to adult content, blurring the boundaries between adults and children, and causing the “disappearance of childhood.” For others, new media technologies are seen to be reinforcing boundaries between generations, as young cyberkids gain access to new forms of learning, participation, and culture.

Although media can be defined broadly to include children’s literature, toys, and technologies, the focus of this entry is on screen media such as television shows, advertisements, films, computer games, and various other content available on the Internet. This entry draws ...