What is media literacy? Ofcom states, ‘We no longer go online – we are online’, a sentiment that rings true for adults, children and young people alike. Media, particularly in its digital form, constantly surrounds us. It’s become a part of our everyday lives, from turning on the television, scrolling on a mobile phone, listening to the radio, using a tablet or computer, to even chatting with friends about online posts we’ve encountered. //b667e803ea5399501dccf24f2b415eee.cdn.bubble.io/f1737561519928x489429489759402500/richtext_content.png Media literacy refers to the ability to be able to access, use, understand and create media. When we use the term ‘media’, this includes large scale communications – such as current affairs, social media etc. Media literacy draws on literacy skills, such as critical thinking and analysis, and applies them to media, to be able to grapple with different kinds of content. In the age of smart phones, social media, and apps, media literacy is more important than ever – and it’s useful for everyone. Encouraging the children we teach to be media literate can provide them with the right tools to navigate and thrive in the digital world, now and in the future. So let’s explore the importance of promoting and honing media literacy in school… Why is it important to teach media literacy? Some quick stats on children’s internet and device usage, and the prevalence of fake or misinformed content online, helps paint a picture of the need for media literacy skills. · Ofcom found that 9 in 10 children own a mobile phone by the age of 11. · Ofcom also determined that 64% of children aged 3 – 17 use apps for social media. · Specsavers predict children aged 5 – 16 have a total of 6.3 hours of screen time per day in the UK. · Research detailed by The Alan Turing Institute revealed that 94% of people in the UK have witnessed misinformation on social media. · Only 22% of respondents identified news websites or apps as their main source of online news, with the bulk of respondents identifying platforms including social media as their main method of accessing the news, according to the 2024 Digital News Report. · The Media Use and Attitudes Report found that young people aged 16 and 17 were less sure of their ability to distinguish the real from the fake online in 2024 than they were in 2023. Evidently, many children and young people frequently access online content. Though age-restricted features and screen time limits can be installed, the online world is vast, and in some cases, children and young people can stumble across unvetted and inappropriate content. Presentations of the news, both reliable and misinformed, permeate online spaces and can be easily found through algorithms, recommended posts and searches. The prevalence of misinformation and fake news is a reality, and so, our children and young people need the tools to recognise it as they explore the digital world around them. As technology advances, the digital landscape is everchanging. This evolution means that our media literacy skill building efforts need to be long-term, to help the younger generation access, understand and explore the digital changes happening now and in their adulthood. //b667e803ea5399501dccf24f2b415eee.cdn.bubble.io/f1737561548161x582298406815900000/richtext_content.png How does Picture News support media literacy? As part of weekly news sessions with Picture News, children as young as four are encouraged to explore current affairs in a child-friendly way. Each week, the resources transform news stories into accessible, digestible learning materials, with a focus on visual images, discussion and deeper thinking. The resources centre on a philosophical big questions, which delve into issues related to the news stories, and prompt children to ask questions, evaluate and reflect. By embedding weekly real-life learning using the news, children build their critical thinking skills, whilst interacting and engaging with media. Picture News resources are talk-based, meaning children discuss current events, relate current affairs to their lives and experiences, establish and share opinion, nurture their voice, and listen to and respect the thoughts of others! A Media Literacy resource is included in each Picture News pack To capture and summarise children’s news learning and the development of journalistic skills, we include a Media Literacy resource within each Picture News pack. //b667e803ea5399501dccf24f2b415eee.cdn.bubble.io/f1737561603026x922081421571848400/richtext_content.png Not only does this help you evidence coverage, it aims to support children in developing the skills to use, understand and create media in a variety of different contexts. The resource clearly addresses media literacy with your pupils, and gets them thinking about how their Picture News sessions build on key, transferable skills. Each week, the media literacy resource focuses on one of four key skills: Evaluate, Analyse, Research, Act. The Media Literacy resource includes critical thinking questions to build children’s journalistic skills, and help them recognise, decipher and understand opinion, bias, fact etc. Ultimately, Picture News resources help you as educators to support children in applying critical thinking skills when accessing media (particularly online), carefully select what they read, listen to and watch and to make positive contributions to the world. Request a free Picture News pack here, to explore this week’s Media Literacy resource!
