“By growing daily in our awareness of the vital importance of encountering others, these “new possibilities”, we will employ technology wisely, rather than letting ourselves be dominated by it. Here too, parents are the primary educators, but they cannot be left to their own devices. The Christian community is called to help them in teaching children how to live in a media environment in a way consonant with the dignity of the human person and service of the common good.”
Message of Pope Francis for the 49th World Communications Day.

In a world of rapidly-advancing technologies with endless possibilities, it’s more important than ever for parents to be well-informed about the opportunities and challenges that new media forms present. Streaming services, video games, social media applications, podcasts and other forms of new media surround us, and have quickly become entrenched in homes and families around the world.

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement of 2019-20 makes it clear that simply allowing digital media to take over households without any understanding of the technology is not an advisable path.

“Digital technologies are so prevalent and increasingly necessary in our day to day lives. People of all ages need the know-how to access and navigate the online world. They need information on the operation of platforms and how personal data is used. Education is key to being aware of the great possibilities but also the pitfalls. Apathy or resignation to the current state of play is not an option.”

Making it real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world.

Below is a list of general resources for parents on new media, as well as specific resources for a variety of media forms. The resources provide simple, easy-to-understand advice on how to manage the world of digital media with your family. While these resources will provide you with useful suggestions and ideas, it is important to remember that the most effective way of managing digital media is still through having open conversations with children and teenagers.

General Resources

Film

  • Kids-In-Mind (Provides parents with information about newly-released films content, specifically, the categories of ‘Sex and Nudity’, ‘Violence and Gore’ and ‘Language’)
  • Decent Films (Film reviews from a Catholic perspective, written by Steven Greydanus, film critic for the National Catholic Register and a permanent deacon in the Catholic Archdiocese of Newark)

Streaming Services

Podcasts

Disclaimer: These links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the National Centre for Evangelisation of any of the products, services or opinions of the organisation or individual. The National Centre for Evangelisation bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.