This article has been written using advice and guidance from Dr Maša Popovac
The spread of misinformation has become a global concern. Each day, without even knowing it we can be exposed to questionable rumours, gossip, dubious claims, fake photos and videos, conspiracy theories and propaganda.
As children are still developing and learning about the world, they cannot always distinguish between reliable and unreliable information. This can result in harm that presents as worry, stress and anxiety and can then spread to their peers.
By upskilling with some basic definitions and some easy-to-implement tips, you can help to create a home environment that builds good media literacy in your family.
What is media literacy?
Media literacy is defined by the Australian Media Literacy Alliance as the ability to critically engage with media in all aspects of life. It involves the ability to access, analyse, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms. It is seen as a crucial form of lifelong learning and literacy that is necessary for full participation in society. It is about identifying different types of media, the messages they are sending and the reasons that someone may send out those messages.
Why is it important to have media literacy?
Engagement with media can help to develop critical thinking skills for children. It helps them discern accurate and reliable information from rumours or propaganda. It can foster positive behaviours that help in making better choices, due to an awareness of media portrayals and thinking critically.
How to encourage media literacy in the home:
The tools to help build media literacy are being taught in schools through programs such as the Foundation’s Media Literacy Lab. However, there are steps that you can put in place at home to help support this further.
Start conversations: When engaging in any type of media such as watching movies or shows, playing video games or watching adverts you can use the opportunity to promote media literacy by asking questions:
- What does this [media] want you to think?
- Why do they want you to think that?
- Who is the message for and how would it make them feel?
- How does it make you feel?
- What do you want to do after seeing this message
In addition to talking to your children about the media they consume – using the above questions as starting points, you should also:
- Provide opportunities for your children to learn by allowing them to explore technology and media and inviting them to ask you questions about what they are consuming. This will have far more long-term benefits than simply cutting them off from media consumption.
- Keep learning by doing your own research to build your own skills and confidence in this area. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on information or visit the eSafety Commissioner and explore their resources.
Ask your child’s school if they have considered delivering the eSmart program to their students today – these programs help to support the above learnings in an educational setting.
