Online tools help families talk about social justice and racial equality

PHOENIX — If you turn on the news, you’ll see that the U.S. isn’t okay.

And when your kid opens social media, they too will see the same visuals — some even more graphic.

In response to the death of George Floyd that has sparked protests nationwide and around the world against police brutality and discrimination, Common Sense Media has compiled a list of resources and information about talking to kids about social justice and racial equality.

Their goal is to create conversation starters to get kids to think more deeply about these topics.

Common Sense Media has a number of resources on the topic, including a recent piece on “How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids.”

The free online learning platform has also compiled a large library of articles, videos, lists and resources to help parents navigate many of the issues our communities are grappling with.

“In addition to basic resources that parents can go read articles about, we have videos — one example being ‘five ways to deal with hate speech online,’” Arizona Director for Common Sense Media Ilana Lowery told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.

The educational videos are created with brevity in mind to give intentional learning for both parents and kids.

The resources on their website include advice for parents on using media to discuss racism with a list of book and movie recommendations about diversity, racism, and the history of protests in America.

“Now, more than ever, kids really need to learn these lessons,” Lowery added. “That’s why it’s so critical for parents to be intentional about the media kids are exposed to.”

Above all, Common Sense Media believes kids’ education on racism shouldn’t end with words and books.

Rather, parents should demonstrate the behavior they wish to see in their own children.

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