“Digital media literacy is the ability to think critically about the media we consume — and to access, use and engage with digital media in an effective, responsible and meaningful way.” Media Smarts web site
Digital Media Literacy Week
In Canada, it’s Digital Media Literacy Week. With all the strife occurring in the world right now, I feel this is a particularly valuable time to remind ourselves about the best ways to vet sources — and to help us ensure our children stay savvy and well-informed about all forms of media.
Now, I don’t want to present basic, common sense tips that you probably already know. These include:
Consider your source and check multiple sources before believing a fact or story;
Consider what biases that source may have;
Consider whether the content you’re viewing is a spoofed or spammed publication or social media account.
As well, children — from elementary school and throughout high school — already take media literacy courses (at least in Canada).
However, after doing a lot of research, I’m sharing several key points & resources from around the world that may be useful to you and your family:
Template explaining the building blocks of media literacy written to include and accommodate various ages/grades — scroll to bottom of doc for grade related literacy “must-haves.”
Crash Course Media Literacy channel on YouTube — polished and professional overview of media literacy.
Province of Ontario’s Digital Technology & Innovations in the Changing World curriculum — “Using critical thinking skills with a focus on digital citizenship, students will investigate the appropriate use and development of the digital technologies that they encounter every day, as well as the benefits and limitations of these technologies.”
This “SHEEP” cartoon from Google’s “Media literacy training for Southeast Asian communities” article — a simple tool to help people figure out how to best vet sources (including socials, images, TV, streaming, interviews, etc.) before believing and sharing. Scroll to the middle of the article for the cartoon.
So, what sources do you trust? Have you had this conversation with your children or teens? Do you feel they understand digital media better than you do? I’d love to hear your story! Feel free to post a comment, write in Notes here on Substack or write to me privately.
Secrets from an HSP Copywriter
Finally, on a somewhat related note… A few months ago, I developed a new Substack channel and have been meaning to start posting on it. However, lo and behold, someone recently subscribed (despite having zero posts on the page)! Below, you’ll find my “Secrets from an HSP Copywriter” page… feel free to share and/or subscribe if you’re interested in freelance writing, copywriting, and strategy - specifically if you’re a Highly Sensitive Person interested in freelancing.
Of course, pleaes feel free to continue to “like” and share posts from this channel as well. I appreciate it.
Yours in imperfect parenting,
Lisa