Media literacy
Understand how media messages are made, presented and shared, and how this can shape their meaning.
Why it matters
Headlines, images and the choice of what to include can shape how a message is understood. Considering its intended audience and purpose helps you interpret the way an issue is presented.
What this can look like
- notices what a headline emphasises or leaves out
- compares how different outlets present the same issue
- considers how a message’s purpose shapes the facts and images selected
Youth relevance
News, advertising and influencer content can appear side by side in a young person’s feed. Considering who each message is for and what it aims to do helps them interpret it before reacting or sharing.
Ways young people can practise this skill
- compare how two media sources present the same community issue and consider why they differ
- consider how a post’s intended audience and purpose shape its wording and images
- explore how a message changes when it is shared as a headline, short clip or fuller account
Connected themes
Related skills
Explore these connected skills for another perspective.
Critical thinking
Information evaluation
Judge whether information and its sources are relevant, reliable and credible.
Digital literacy
Responsible digital participation
Interact, share and participate responsibly in digital spaces.
Inclusion & diversity
Recognising bias
Notice how assumptions, stereotypes or bias may shape information, judgement and behaviour.