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School Age Children

How might kids experience the final Potter film?
 How might kids experience the final Potter film? 150 150 Mediatrics

CMCH staff contributed the following post to Thriving, Children's Hospital Boston's pediatric health blog, about the final installment of Harry Potter.  Last night at midnight, the final installment of the Harry Potter movies opened in theaters, creating exhilaration and, maybe, a sense of loss for those who have grown up with Hogwarts on the brain…

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Can I protect my kids’ media use at school? On the bus?
 Can I protect my kids’ media use at school? On the bus? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: How do I protect my children against what I consider to be harmful media when they are at school or on the bus?
A: Don’t leave this issue to be regulated by the bus driver, the other riders, or the school. Inform and empower your child to make sound media decisions for him or herself.

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How can I tell which films are OK for my child?
 How can I tell which films are OK for my child? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: Are two year olds too young to see films like Tangled? What should I consider when thinking about taking my kids to the movies?
A: If what you imagine her seeing, hearing, and understanding is what you want for her to experience, then take her and enjoy it together, keeping in mind these developmental considerations.

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How can I protect my child when she’s learning to use email?
 How can I protect my child when she’s learning to use email? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: How can I keep my tween safe as she embarks on using email for the first time?
A: Choose an email provider that fits your ideal, help guide your child as she’s starting out, and learn more about what issues she might face online–and how you can help her navigate them.

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How do I ensure that my wired kids are being responsible citizens offline?
 How do I ensure that my wired kids are being responsible citizens offline? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My kids are attached to their cell phones and laptops, and it worries me that they’re not paying as much attention to the world happening around them. How can I prevent this?
A: Talk regularly about–and set a good example of–being a responsible citizen on- and offline. We’ve got tips to get you started.

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The Mediatrician’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2011
 The Mediatrician’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2011 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: What sort of media-related resolutions do you suggest for families?
A: Ones that are free, attainable, and fun to work toward! These 8 simple goals will help you tweak your family’s media use and enjoy the resulting time together.

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The Good News about Children and Media in 2010
 The Good News about Children and Media in 2010 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: It seems like all we ever hear about are the negative effects of media. What research has been done on using media in positive ways?
A: Indeed, studies in the past year indicate just how positive media can be for children and families when it is used in a controlled way, paying particular attention to its content and the context in which it is used.

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The Top Mediatrician Q&As of 2010
 The Top Mediatrician Q&As of 2010 150 150 Mediatrics

Each week this year, you asked our Mediatrician, Dr. Michael Rich, your most pressing questions about the effects of media on kids, and he answered! Here are the top 10 most-viewed Ask the Mediatrician Q&As of 2010.

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Should kids with central auditory processing disorder play video games?
 Should kids with central auditory processing disorder play video games? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: We believe that we need to have our child tested for central auditory processing disorder. Is there any correlation between this condition and video game playing?
A: Though extraneous noises are distracting for kids with APD, video games may actually help them focus. But it’s your job to set limits on the amount of game play.

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Are Facebook age limits appropriate? And when should schools intervene?
 Are Facebook age limits appropriate? And when should schools intervene? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My son’s private middle school decided to insist on a no-FB policy. Is that reasonable, given the students ages (10 and 11)?
A: Whether the school handled the situation appropriately is a more subjective issue, but whether 10 and 11 year olds should be on Facebook gets a definitive no because of their current stage of brain development.

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