You wouldn’t give kids keys to a car without first giving them driving lessons, so why are we letting kids access the internet and social media without first providing them with media literacy education?
We wouldn’t give kids keys to a car without first giving them driving lessons, so why are we letting kids access the internet and social media without first providing them with media literacy education? Like reading or math, media literacy is a learned skill that requires practice. The ability to navigate within our complex and ever-changing media landscape depends on acquiring skills and tools to know how to consume and evaluate information, ask critical questions, avoid manipulation, and engage in digital spaces safely and confidently. Unfortunately, these skills are not widely taught to our young people – yet. I ask you to sponsor and support bills that provide media literacy education to K-12 students.