As Co-founder and CTO of Common Sense Media, Omar Khan plays an integral role in quality time for many families. The company offers age-based reviews of media from movies and tv to books and games.
In addition to Common Sense Media, Khan also dives into other roles as an educator and historian. He has published two books, and runs a comprehensive Indus Valley history website.
Omar Khan: CTO of Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit, which helps parents keep up with their kids and the media around them. “We believe that media has become ‘the other parent’ in our kids’ lives, powerfully affecting their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development,” says one of the 10 founding beliefs of the company. Another states, “we believe that through informed decision-making, we can improve the media landscape one decision at a time.”
Common Sense Media provides comprehensive reviews of movies, tv shows, books, apps, and games. In this way, they help parents to decide on age and content-appropriate media for their children. Currently Chief Product and Technology Officer, Omar Khan co-founded the company, and even built the organization’s original website back in 2002.
CTO, historian, author, and more
Khan grew up in Vienna, Austria and Islamabad, Pakistan. Apart from tech and his presence in the non-profit sphere, he is also a historian and author. Khan has published two books, From Kashmir to Kabul: The Photographs of John Burke and William Baker 1860-1900 and Paper Jewels: Postcards from the Raj. He also runs the Southeast Asian history website Harappa.com, which features articles and research into the ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley.
Khan has an MBA from Stanford University and a Masters degree in philosophy from Columbia University. Now at Common Sense Media for almost two decades, Khan already had background in business and tech prior to this. He was involved with the firm ISL Consulting for more than a decade, including the role of President. He also worked for the Boston Consulting Group, and with UNICEF in Pakistan. Khan also takes part in the organization “CTOs for Good”, “an invitation-only group of technical leaders at nonprofits that deliver social impact primarily though technology and digital strategy.”
Omar Khan highlights listening to parents and kids
Khan’s site offers both age recommendations and short reviews. Additionally, they give both parents and kids the opportunity to rate a given piece of media. For example, the newly released Enola Holmes earned a 4 out of 5 star rating, with a 12+ age rating. Additionally, a concise review notes that the movie has feminist messages, as well as some violence. 19 parents have reviewed the movie, as well as 55 kids. One can choose to see the reviews, in which many of the young reviewers noted that the film had “positive role models” and “positive messages.”
Common Sense Media doesn’t limit itself to reviews and ratings, however. They also conduct research, which they regularly publish. Much of this research focuses on the impact social media and devices have on the lives of teens and tweens. Common Sense Media also has resources for parents and educators handling online school, including how to keep kids motivated, support their mental health, and give them social outlets during a pandemic.
Check out more reviews or resources here, and donate to Common Sense Media here.
