Your school-age children have grown up in a world influenced by media, and they intuitively understand the nuances in a way that older generations generally do not.
Consider the possibility that they might even know more than you do, either consciously or unconsciously.
The development of media literacy can be viewed as a mutual process. Enter this ongoing project together with your school-age children. See how a shared language will emerge, leading to better communication and understanding - and resulting in a deeper relationship.
Will our children be able to sift through the enormous amount of information that is accessible to them?
Will they learn the skills necessary to choose media that is reliable, accurate, and gives relevant answers to the questions they are asking?
In this article, we will look at how media literacy can be encouraged at home.
Defining “Media Literacy”
Let’s first define our basic terms. The words “literacy" and "literate” refer to the ability to read and to write. The word “media” refers to texts, videos, social media, memes, and advertising as well as TV, newspapers, and magazines. “Media Literacy” is the identification, understanding, and critical evaluation of different kinds of media.
When you are “media literate,” you understand that a video, an advertisement, or a message has an underlying objective. As parents, we can help ourselves and our children become expert in deciphering media.
The Goals of “Media Literacy”
Becoming “Media Literate” - A Process
1. First, consider these questions:
Do my children know the difference between information that is evidence-based, information that is an opinion, and information that is not based on facts?
2. Together with your school-age children, choose a piece of media (i.e., a video, a blog, a social media message).
Then, discuss these questions:
What is the author’s goal? Why did the author write this piece? Did the author want to inform us, to persuade us to buy something, to teach us how to do something, to entertain us?
Is this information believable? Is the source trustworthy and accurate? Is this an opinion?
What information did the author choose to omit? Are there other points of view presented? Should there be more information included?
How do we each feel after reading this? Do we now want to buy something? Do we now have a new opinion about something? How would we each describe our feelings?
3. Create fun activities to learn "Media Literacy".
For example:
*Notice the advertising used on television, on food packages, on toy wrappings. Discuss this media according to the questions asked above.
*Invite other members of the family to become media literate: i.e., “Let’s discuss whether this video is accurate or not.”
*Learn together how to verify sources and check information. Pretend that you are detectives following clues. Do these clues lead you to actual people, to real companies, to first-hand sources?
Final Thoughts
As 21st century parents, we must become media literate so that we can take an active role in helping our children develop the necessary skills to become savvy, effective media consumers.
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