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9. Is it possible to manipulate public opinion through the media?
10. Summarize the text.
Text 5

CHILDREN AND THE MEDIA
21
By C. Barbouy
Today, all members of our society are influenced both directly and

indirectly by powerful media vehicles, including printed materials,
television, sound recordings, and the Internet. Publicists, promoters, and
sales personnel have at some point used all of these media to advocate
what people should wear, what they should eat, and what values they

should hold. Vivid colors and language tell us what is happening in the
world and how to react to the events shown. Although much of our
society’s media seems dominated by superficial chitchat, hyped news

events, and depictions of violence, it is also a source of education,
humor, and nonviolent entertainment. Just remember that the effect of
media will vary with a child’s age and stage of development.

Most realize that although the different media forms can be used
elegantly for mediated learning, their major objectives are entertainment
and product promotion. In the following section, we discuss what we

broadly term the entertainment industry in its role as a general, society-
wide influence on young children. We first discuss two of its primary
forms, print and television, and then treat other current media under the
rubric of the industry in general.

Print Materials
The kind of books and other print media that children read and

have read to them influences and support their emotional, social, and
intellectual development both directly and indirectly. Print materials,
such as books, magazines, and newspapers, reach the child indirectly,

through parents, caregivers, and teachers, and directly, such as when
children participate in a library presentation or select particular
publications to buy or borrow. The printed material made available to
children implies the values of the home, school, and community.

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Barbour C. Children and The Media / C. Barbour. – Available at:
http://www.education.com/reference/article/media-influence-children/