This important study looks at both the sunny and the dark side of media use by today’s youth, including why and how their preferences change throughout childhood, whether digital gaming is harmful or helpful, the effects of placing tablets and smartphones in the hands of toddlers, the susceptibility of young people to online advertising, the legitimacy of parental concerns about media multitasking, and more.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface -- Youth and media -- Then and now -- Themes and theoretical perspectives -- Infants, toddlers and preschoolers -- Children -- Adolescents -- Media and violence -- Media and emotions -- Advertising and commercialism -- Media and sex -- Media and education -- Digital games -- Social media -- Media and parenting -- The end.