If you're worried that a film might not be suitable for your kids, preview it yourself. Talk to other parents who've seen it, read newspaper reviews, or use one of the many Internet movie review sites for parents. (See right sidebar).
Designate a regular "family movie night," when you pick a movie and everyone watches it together. Use this as an opportunity to introduce your kids to some intelligent classics.
Use movie content as an opportunity to discuss serious issues with your kids: stereotyping, violence, smoking, sex, values, drug and alcohol use. (Be subtle, though, and don't preach—your movie time should be a fun time.)
The Teach With Movies Web site has wonderful ideas on how to use movies to teach kids about the world. (See right sidebar.)
When you watch movies and television with your kids, watch for openly flaunted brand names. Then discuss the issue of product placement. Two teaching lessons And now a word from our sponsor and Captive Audience? offer ideas for talking to kids about product placement and the commercialization of the big screen. (See right sidebar.)
If you're troubled by the movies shown to your child at school, voice your concerns to the teacher, administration or parent council and be ready with some good alternative titles. Parents should have a say in the number of movies used in the classroom, and their quality.
Don't put a TV and VCR/DVD player in children's bedrooms, where you can't monitor what or how much they're watching.
Ask your local video store to put a restriction on your rental account that will prevent your kids from renting or buying movies rated for older ages. Most family-friendly stores will respect such requests.
