One question parents often ask about media is “how can I tell what is valid and what isn’t?” There is no easy answer. Between the “experts” and countless sources of news and information, it’s hard to know what to believe. The first step is getting smart about the different types of media today.

Movies, Television Shows, and Music
Movies, TV shows, and music are meant for entertainment, not for the facts. Even those based on true stories are produced with drama and audience ratings in mind. They are meant to draw emotions from the audience. Some stories may feature “experts,” but they are usually to add interest, not accuracy. Music lyrics may refer to real life, but they are subjective, reflecting the singer/songwriter’s own experiences. How to talk to your teen >>

Advertisements
Ads are paid for by companies or groups with a vested interest in selling something, be it a product, service or point-of-view. In more ways than we realize, advertising is designed to influence our opinions and buying decisions. Every company that advertises has an agenda. Have you ever asked your doctor about a drug you’ve seen advertised? We are all influenced by advertising to some degree. Be a skeptical consumer and do your research. See what third-party experts, such as a trusted physician, have to say about a product. Check with the Better Business Bureau, consumer report publications, blogs and online communities for consumer feedback. And pay close attention to the subtle messages that ads often send, like young, good-looking actors posed as “real people” with chronic or reoccurring problems leading uninterrupted, happy lives because of what the ad has to sell. How to talk to your teen >>

Magazines
Magazines often cite studies, experts, and press releases. Here’s where you really need to do some homework. If a story refers to research, look at the citation. Is it from an accredited academic institution, a well-known association, or a government agency? Is it a foreign or domestic study? Is the study published in a peer-reviewed journal? Is it available through other means, like a Web site? If there is no reference or citation, it may be suspect. Also, check out an expert’s biography online to learn more. See if they are published and how much experience they have. How to talk to your teen >>

Television News and Documentaries
Television news now features music, softer lighting, “recreated” scenes, and attractive reporters. These are meant to create drama and keep the audience’s attention. News directors often choose to broadcast stories that shock. In fact, there is a common phrase among journalists, “if it bleeds, it leads.” Top stories often include violence, drugs, and scandals, especially during rating periods. These broadcasts leave the false impression that crime and related activities are widespread. Broadcast news is also time-limited, so viewers will only get some of the facts. Like the news, documentaries are designed to provide facts in a dramatic format. Keep in mind that documentaries also are made with a point-of-view. Look to other major news sources for more information and different perspectives. How to talk to your teen >>

Print and Online News
Reputable print and online news outlets like The New York Times, USA Today and Yahoo News are usually credible sources of information. But news editors are also constrained by space and deadlines, and stories are not always error free. Reporters are human and sometimes write stories with a personal tone. Analyze whether both sides are covered in a story and look to multiple sources for a more complete picture. How to talk to your teen >>

Other Web Sites
The Internet is a wealth of information, but often it’s hard to tell what is legitimate. Always consider the source. For example, TheAntiDrug.com is funded by tax dollars through a Federal government agency. The content on the site is based on research and includes citations for easy reference. The site is also reviewed by experts, third parties and real parents. On the other hand, pro-drug Web sites like Erowid.com provide incomplete, anecdotal information about illicit drugs. Often pro-drug opinions are presented as fact. Does the Web site include scientific studies to back up claims? Does the information seem balanced? Most pro-drug sites rarely mention the proven dangers of illicit drug use. How to talk to your teen >>