Media literacy is critical

IN our society and culture, our perception of reality is shaped by the information and messages we receive through the media. A few generations ago, our culture storytellers were people, family, friends and others in the community. For many people today, the most powerful storyteller is the Internet and the mobile phone. All of us are affected by advertising, news, movies, Facebook, WhatsApp and other forms of media. That is why today, media is such a powerful force.

Children receive a huge amount of information from a wide array of sources, far beyond the traditional media – ie, television, radio, newspapers and magazines – of most parents. There are text messages, memes, viral videos, social media, video games, advertising and more.