Screen overload isn't the enemy — mindless watching is. So instead of "how do we limit screen time," let's ask, "how do we teach kids to think and not just scroll?"
As co-founder of KIDS FIRST!, Ranny Levy has spent decades helping families navigate a fast-changing media landscape. In this episode, she shares a more realistic approach to media literacy that helps kids make better choices. Hear how the organization's kid-driven media keeps them engaged in a smarter, more confident way and develops lifelong skills that go beyond media!
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
The mission of KIDS FIRST! (03:30)
How the organization has evolved with media (04:57)
Why limiting screen time alone doesn't work anymore (07:17)
How KIDS FIRST! teaches children to engage in media (08:10)
Finding talent and developing real-life skills (10:50)
Success stories beyond media and entertainment (13:31)
KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions podcast (16:48)
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival and global reach (18:00)
Their stance on gambling and sensitive content (22:48)
What brought you JOY today? (27:19)
For support, resources, and education around suicide prevention, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org.
Resources:
- Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready? Take the College Readiness Quiz for Parents: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/college-readiness-quiz/
- Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful. Get Your Gathering Your Tax Documents Checklist: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mitlin_ChecklistForGatheringYourTaxDocuments_Form_062424_v2.pdf
- Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision? Take the Retirement Ready Quiz: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/retirement-planning-quiz/
Connect with Larry Sprung:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceDSprung/
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung
Connect with Ranny Levy:
- Podcast: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-kids-first-coming-attractio-277638809/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KIDSFIRSTFilmCritics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsFirstMedia
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/KidsFirstMedia2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsfirstcoming_attractions
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidsfirstmedia
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coalition-for-quality-childrens-media-kids-first/
- Newsletter: https://www.kidsfirst.org/nl/
- Film Festival: https://www.kidsfirst.org/filmfestival/
- Join the Team: https://www.kidsfirst.org/become-a-juror/
About Our Guest:
In 1991, concerned about the harmful effects of violent and biased media on children, educator and media producer Ranny Levy co-founded the Coalition for Quality Children's Media (CQCM) and its flagship program, KIDS FIRST! The CQCM is dedicated to promoting and nurturing quality children's media as a vehicle for social change.
In addition KIDS FIRST! produces a bi-weekly podcast and the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival. The CQCM's work has been recognized by all the major entertainment studios and in July 2023 Ms. Levy was awarded the Golden Globes Honors Foundation's Noble Philanthropist Award.
Ms. Levy is a children's media expert and author of three books, including The New York Times / KIDS FIRST Guide to The Best Children's Videos, A Parent's Guide to the Best Children's Videos, DVDs and CD-ROMs, and The Field Guide for Young Women: Finding Your Life Partner. She is a frequent speaker at conferences on children's media.
Ms. Levy is a mother of two grown children, grandmother of two, and has one surrogate son and one surrogate daughter-in-law. She enjoys watching and reviewing films, writing screenplays, staying active, organic gardening, traveling, opera, music, theater, and entertaining friends and family. She is committed to life-long learning and loving.
Disclosure:
Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.
This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com