André H. Caron is a Canadian communication scholar whose research focuses predominantly on young people and media, and the appropriation of emerging technologies in society. Through his books and research projects, he examines social, cultural and policy issues, as well as the overall influence that traditional and new media have on family and the lives of children and youth. Professional career Alongside Dr. James R. Taylor and Dr. Annie Méar he founded the first graduate program for Communication Studies in French Canada in 1974. He was Director of the Department of Communication at the Université de Montréal from 1985 to 1991. He is founding Director of the national Centre for Youth and Media Studies (GRJM\CYMS) (1988–2017). He was awarded the Bell Chair in interdisciplinary research on emerging technologies (2003-2011) and appointed scientific director of CITÉ (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Emerging Technologies) (2003–2011). In 2017 he was awarded by the Université de Montréal the title of "Professor Emeritus"for his exceptional career in teaching and research. During his career, he was invited as "Visiting Scholar" at Stanford University, Harvard University, Leicester university in the United Kingdom, Università di Bologna in Italy and at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. He held different positions on a number of boards such as Chairman of the Board of MediaSmarts a Canadian not for profit organization for digital media literacy (formerly known as Media Awareness Network)], Vice-President of the Board of directors of the National Film Board of Canada, and member of various Boards including Youth Media Alliance (formerly known as Children's Broadcast Institute), the Canadian Television Fund and the Bell New Media Fund. Major contributions His research has played a determining role in Canadian policies with regards to children and media, as well as on the diffusion and cultural impact of information and communication technologies. In terms of policy impact on children and youth, his work began addressing policy concerns as early as the 1970s, when he published his research on first-time exposure to television and their effects on Inuit children in northern Québec. His earlier work contributed to the Québec Office for Consumer Protection's proposal for legislation regulating the role and influence of media advertising targeted at children (1978). Additional research was also included in the recommendations put forth by the Ontario Royal Commission on counteracting violence in television (1979). In 1986, his research was used by the department of communication of Canada