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Media Power Youth helps keep kids healthy and safe

Group teaches critical thinking, smart use of media

By Lois R. Shea, Senior Writer and Communications Officer  |  

The barrage of media has become unavoidable — our kids are exposed to images, advertisements and games 24/7 and from 360 degrees.

The average American child spends 1,144 hours watching television every year — and 900 hours in school.

Media Power Youth is dedicated to helping kids understand those images and messages, to think critically about them and lead healthy, safe lives through the smart use of media. Its curricula and programs are offered to school districts and communities throughout the state.

Since 2010, the Foundation has provided Media Power Youth with $275,000 in program and operating support from its Substance Use Disorders Portfolio and other funds.

Media Power Youth’s evidence-based programs also impressed the Governor and the state Attorney General’s office: The New Hampshire Department of Justice has now provided funding for MPY to implement its “screenshots” violence prevention program in New Hampshire schools.

To hear a Manchester teacher’s perspective on Media Power Youth and the program’s effect on her students, listen to the “Giving Matters” radio segment from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and New Hampshire Public Radio: http://nhpr.org/post/giving-matters-making-kids-savvy-media-consumers.

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT MEDIA POWER YOUTH WWW.MEDIAPOWERYOUTH.ORG


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