Three Questions is an idea that I stole from the author of one of my favorite blogs, Faster Than Kudzu FTK

Today’s Questions will be answered by Felicia M. Sullivan she is a community media advocate and educator. With an MA in Media Studies and 15 years of community-based practice, she works with community media & technology centers as well as social justice and arts organizations to bring the power of communication, media and information technologies to communities. She does this work through her consultancy at Forge Consulting. www.forge-consulting.com She is also currently affiliated with the University of Massachusetts (Boston and Lowell campuses).

Q. Why is Media Literacy Important?

A. Given that so much our our knowledge about the world around us is mediated by some form or another, it is critical that individuals understand the ways in which media communicate their messages. And given that media come in multiple forms, it is important that we are able to understand communication that comes in visual, audio and video formats. Just like traditional literacy, media literacy is a critical tool in understanding our contemporary world. It is essential that all of us are fluent in these forms.

Q. What would be the most important thing that parents should teach their children about media literacy?

A. The most important skill that a parent can instill in their children is to question the media. To question what they see and hear. Question how the media is made and by whom. Question how the media comes to us and who controls the message. A questioning and critical mind is the best tool a parent can give to their children.

Q. How can being more literate about media help kids in their daily lives?

A. Kids who are media literate are less likely to be easily influenced by peers, marketers, or those in authority. They are more likely to seek out a balanced and informed approach to issues and ideas. They are more likely to be prepared to tackle other critical and analytical challenges such as those required by advanced education.

Thanks Felicia, your comments clearly show the impact of Media and how we as parents need to be well educated about the subject, in order to competently guide our kids.

Before we can assess media, we need to know what constitutes media. Any means of mass communication is called media, most common are television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the internet. Media literacy is being able to assess all of the various messages, in all forms that we are exposed to daily. Questioning the intent, the money, the values and ownership of the message, instinctively. Also asking critical questions like: Who is the intended receiver of this message?, Who is the creator of this message?, What is their intent? How is this message getting my attention?, Do I feel included or excluded?

Media Literacy is an important tool that we can give to our children. It will enable them to navigate through all of the information that they encounter on a daily basis. They will also be able to better resist the esteem crushing commercials, ads and stories that fill our TV’s, magazines and websites. Being able to question a situation and having the right tools can help kids separate fantasy from reality.

This media awareness website is a great resource for a more in depth discussion of media literacy and the tools needed. It is a Canadian website for teachers.What is media literacy

This is a good basic video on media, watch first to see if it would be appropriate for your kids. watch?v=rh274jQchEw&feature=related