VJR Consulting is an independent consulting firm specializing in research, policy, and strategic communications work for non-profits. Special areas of focus include social marketing, health communication, and high-quality research on youth and media. We design and direct public opinion and media research, write reports, develop policy positions, conduct strategic planning, convene high-level events, and plan media campaigns. We operate at the intersection of issues, research, and communications. Read More >
Go Directly, Digitally to Jail? Classic Toys Learn New Clicks
February 25, 2012 - New York Times
Generation after generation, Monopoly money stacked up in piles of pink, green and gold, Hot Wheels raced across floors and Barbie was, well, just a doll. Not anymore. Read More >
Study on Young Children’s Media Use Now Available From iTunes as an App
Our study for Common Sense Media, "Zero to Eight: Children's Media Use in America" is now out as an iPad app. Download it now >
The NO MORE ProjectThe NO MORE Project aims to create a powerful visual symbol to express universal support for ending domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) in our society. The symbol would be used by advocates, public figures, and members of the public, to express their commitment to this cause. Read More >
October 25, 2011, New York Times
Jaden Lender, 3, sings along softly with the “Five Little Monkeys” app on the family iPad, and waggles his index finger along with the monkey doctor at the warning, “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!” He likes crushing the ants in “Ant Smasher,” and improving his swing in the golf app. But he is no app addict: when the one featuring Grover from Sesame Street does not work right, Jaden says, “Come on, iPad!’” — then wanders happily off to play with his train set. Read More >
Toddler Video: Survey Says Young Kids are Tuned In
October 25, 2011, Broadcasting & Cable
Some 39% of 2-4-year-olds use a smart phone or tablet, and more than half (52%) of kids ages 5-8 do so. That is according to a just-released national study from Common Sense Media. "For parents, pediatricians, and child development experts concerned about screen media use among children under two, this report indicates that a substantial number of infants and toddlers are watching TV and DVDs on a regular basis," the study concluded. It is the first of a series of reports from Common Sense as part of its new Program for the Study of Children and the Media, which is headed by Vicky Rideout, former VP of the Kaiser Family Foundation. "These results make it clear that media plays a large and growing role in children's lives, even the youngest of children," said Rideout, president of VJR Consulting. Read More >