Developing Critical Viewing Skills and Media Literacy in Children

A theoretical discussion concerning the meaning of media literacy and the rationale for targeting such a topic to children is presented. Based on the research demonstrating negative effects of television viewing by children, the need for schools to teach critical thinking about popular media is then discussed. Goals of curricula in general are listed, followed by examples of specific projects developed by individuals and organizations in the United States and abroad. Some empirical studies evaluating media literacy curricula are then reviewed. Resources are listed in the appendix for the reader's information.