Digital media and technology play an enormous role in the lives and learning of our nation’s children. As a nation, we must use the best media and technology – from digital literacy and citizenship programs to digital tutoring and distance learning – to transform our schools for the 21st century.

At the same time, we must recognize the potential dangers of media. Kids now spend 45 hours per week with media and technology – far more time than they spend in school or with their parents. Some media messages and content can be harmful or inappropriate for kids.

The Common Sense Media policy agenda aims to empower parents, teachers and young people themselves to take control of the media and technology in their lives, in order to help keep kids learning, thriving, and safe. In particular, Common Sense Media aims to:

• Promote Digital Literacy and Citizenship, the Key to 21st Century Learning and Online Safety.
• Improve Consumer Tools and Ratings to Empower Families to Make Smarter Choices.
• Protect Kids’ and Families’ Privacy in the Digital Age. For more information, including Common Sense Media’s online privacy poll and policy paper, visit www.commonsense.org/privacy.