YouTube and MediaWise Launch New Media Literacy Resources for Teens

In honor of Global Media Literacy Week 2024, YouTube has partnered with the Poynter Institute’s MediaWise program to introduce a comprehensive media literacy curriculum aimed at empowering teenagers to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. These free resources are available to educators worldwide, offering essential tools to teach students how to critically evaluate online content.

Why Media Literacy Matters

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, understanding the context behind posts, images, and videos is vital for fostering responsible online behavior, especially for young users. The new curriculum provides:

• Lessons on Evaluating Sources: Helping teens identify credible information and discern fact from fiction.
• AI Content Recognition: Teaching skills to identify AI-generated media.
• Responsible Sharing Tips: Guiding teens on how to share information thoughtfully.

Educators can access the materials, including lesson plans, slide decks, and videos, on the dedicated platform Hit Pause with MediaWise.

Building on YouTube’s “Hit Pause” Initiative

The curriculum builds upon YouTube’s 2022 “Hit Pause” initiative, which uses engaging short videos to teach key media literacy concepts. Developed in collaboration with the National Association of Media Literacy Education, these resources have already been viewed millions of times globally.

A Global Effort

To ensure cultural relevance, MediaWise collaborated with experts from MediaSmarts (Canada), Mythos Labs (USA/India), and Parent Zone (U.K.). The initiative will expand globally, starting with a pilot program in the U.K. through Parent Zone.

Alex Mahadevan, Director of MediaWise at Poynter, remarked:
“Understanding the context behind online posts and sharing responsibly are essential skills for all ages, especially young people. These tools will help educators equip students with techniques to combat misinformation.”

A Commitment to Safer Online Spaces

This initiative reinforces YouTube’s commitment to providing teens with a safe, enriching online experience. By equipping young people with the tools to critically evaluate digital content, YouTube and its partners aim to foster a more informed and responsible digital generation.

For more information and to access the curriculum, visit Hit Pause with MediaWise.

Source: https://blog.youtube