A few months ago, I wrote about the idea of explaining public relations to a child and how writing a children’s book helped me do just that. Since then, the world has offered no shortage of reminders that understanding PR and communication isn’t just important—it’s essential. As headlines become harder to parse and narratives shift with every news cycle, the ability to communicate clearly, think critically and understand how information is shaped has never been more valuable. Especially for the next generation.
Let’s start with Netflix. The platform recently announced production of a new crisis PR drama starring Lizzy Caplan. The fact that PR is now the focus of a television series says a lot about how the profession is increasingly recognized for its real-world impact. But while adults may enjoy the entertainment, it raises an important question: how are we equipping kids to understand reputation, storytelling and the forces that shape public perception in today’s world?
At the same time, President Trump’s recent executive actions targeting the Department of Education have reignited national conversations around who decides what children learn—and what’s left out. As these debates unfold, we need to ask ourselves: are we giving young people the tools to evaluate the messages they receive? Are they learning to identify trustworthy voices and express their own perspectives with confidence and care? Are we helping kids understand how stories are framed and how they can shape their own?
An illustration from “Game Face”
We’re also seeing the real-world consequences of communication missteps in headlines—like the recent Atlantic report about a Trump administration official accidentally texting a journalist detailed war plans. Instead of addressing the mistake directly, the administration’s response followed a familiar pattern: deny, deflect and diminish. From a PR perspective, this kind of approach often causes more harm than the original error, eroding public trust and creating unnecessary confusion. If we were advising a client in a similar situation, we’d recommend taking ownership, communicating clearly and showing accountability—not just to protect reputation, but to rebuild credibility. These are the kinds of skills PR teaches and the kinds of lessons we should be passing on to kids: how to navigate tough moments with honesty, empathy, and a sense of responsibility for the stories they tell and the actions behind them.
PR isn’t just about press releases and media hits. At its best, it’s about helping people and organizations communicate clearly, truthfully and with purpose. It’s about telling stories that reflect identity, values and vision, especially when the context is complex or the stakes are high. In a world where misinformation spreads quickly, these aren’t just professional skills, they’re life skills.
An illustration from “Game Face”
When I wrote a children’s book to explain what PR professionals do, my goal was to make the field feel more approachable—not just for kids, but for anyone curious about how public perception is shaped. That idea eventually evolved into “Game Face,” an interactive, story-driven platform that teaches communication fundamentals like crisis response, reputation management and narrative building through real-world-inspired scenarios.
Beyond accessibility, I believe we have an opportunity and a responsibility to help the next generation recognize bias, understand influence and learn how to communicate not just effectively, but empathetically. If we want kids to grow into thoughtful, responsible communicators, we can’t wait until they’re adults to start the conversation.
Get your copy of Game Face here.
