Inclusion of media education as a powerful tool for countering the negative, unattainable, unhealthy images in fashion magazines would have given this valuable article even more relevance. The goal of media education is to understand the meaning and intent behind the media images and messages we see and hear all around us, every day, everywhere. Its goal is media-educated families, including parents, children and adolescents, who limit the amount of media used and proactively, purposefully choose positive or educational offerings when a program or activity is desired. A physician's guide to media education, media history form and other resources are currently available. Critical thinking and critical viewing habits are integral components of media education.
Adults can use bothersome media portrayals for conversation and discussion.
Media-educated children and youth should understand that behind all media products are potent political, social and economic forces. Children feel very powerful when they understand that all media products are constructed carefully created for a purpose to sell, to persuade, to manipulate, to create a feeling. Pediatricians continue to be concerned about the public health risks posed by mass media images and messages for children and adolescents. We also know, through experience and research, that the media may teach and model unhealthy sexual behaviors and normalize and glamorize use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. Rather than depending on the media industry to self-correct, pediatricians and parents must embrace media education as the best and simplest solution to the public health risks presented by the media.