Girl Scouts of the USA
and the Healthy Media Commission recently released The Report and
Recommendations of the Healthy Media Commission for Positive Images of Women
and Girls which outlines recommendations that support a more positive and
gender-neutral media environment for women and promotes the healthy development
of a girl’s social, emotional and physical well-being.
The Healthy Media report is unique and innovative because it provides a detailed blueprint of recommendations and strategies for four different categories of stakeholders who impact the media culture, from the media creators themselves to parents, educators, and youth. The belief is that each player has an equal role and responsibility in facilitating change. For each category, recommendations are organized and tailored to empower individuals with the ability to LEARN and to be aware of the depiction of women and girls in the media, to CHOOSE media that uphold high standards, and to EDUCATE others on the importance of the issue. This report is the crucial first step in creating a more positive media environment for women and girls. It identifies emerging best practices, and establishes a climate for change. To access the report and learn more about how you can make a difference, visit www.Girlscouts.org/HealthyMedia.
Locally, Girl Scouts have many programs that educate girls on how to identify healthy media – namely the Journey program curriculum, MEdia.
“Girls working in this Journey learn about women in the media, how to identify stereotypes, and about how reality television isn’t reality,” says Hilary Perry, director of communications and advocacy for the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.
