Issue Overview
Empowering Parents
Cable programming networks, cable operators, and Internet service providers recognize how difficult it can be for busy families, mentors and educators to provide informed advice to children regarding TV programming, safe Internet use and the explosion of new media. Equally daunting can be managing the volume of content, which is now available.
Every family needs to determine what content is appropriate for their household. Cable provides accessible and simple tools for families to manage media, built around three basic concepts: choice, control, and education. Cable programming networks today provide the broadest choice in the world with plenty of entertaining, informational, and educational content. Cable set-top boxes and the V-Chip – in combination with the TV Parental Guidelines Ratings System – and online tools offer easy to use controls to block content. And, cable has spent decades educating consumers about parental control tools and media literacy resources.
Using the tools and information provided by cable companies, parents can make responsible decisions.
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Our Position
BE THE BOSS OF YOUR TV
With hundreds of channels to choose from, cable provides the greatest choice in entertainment and information available today. Cable offers many channels that serve children and family viewers and provide educational, informative and entertainment programming. Combined with the great choices cable offers is the ability to manage TV programming that is viewed within the home. Cable set-top boxes feature easy-to-use parental controls to enable parents to block channels and programs they may find inappropriate for children.
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5 Ways to Manage Family TV Viewing
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1
Know the ratings and find suitable programming
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2
Use cable’s parental controls
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3
Block unwanted programs with the V-Chip
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4
Make rules so your family knows what is off limits
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5
Watch TV with your kids and enjoy!
Percentage of parents view the TV ratings system favorably
SOURCE: TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board
9 out of 10
Number of parents who believe it’s very important that their children learn about digital citizenship.
Assessment
A LOOK AT TODAY'S TOOLS
We believe parents and other caregivers are best suited to make content decisions to customize their family's on-air and online experience. Understanding the entire media landscape is a critical element of creating a safe environment which childen of all ages can enjoy.
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Top 5 Media Management Resources for Families
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1
Common Sense Media
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2
Parental Controls & Devices
http://www.controlyourtv.org/#Control.aspx
Controlyourtv.org provides clear direction on the ways parents can manage channels with sophisticated control capabilities.
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3
TheTVBoss.org
A website that offers parents the tools and information they need to guide their child’s television consumption.
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4
The TV Parental Guidelines
TV ratings give parents more information about the content and age-appropriateness of TV programs and appear before and during TV shows.
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5
Cable in the Classroom
http://www.ciconline.org/Resource/private-its-the-new-public
Cable in the Classroom and Internet Keep Safe Coalition provides a tailored lesson, activities and tips to better understand the power of social networking.
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