Introducing Media Literacy to Kids

Disclaimer: This post is for information only. No medical advice. See full disclosure here.

In a world of constant news and information, it’s becoming more and more important to know how to interpret information. Although this is important for all of us, I’m especially thinking about ways to help kids learn these skills.

But first, a quick note on health literacy:

I’ve long been passionate about health literacy (see here and here), meaning someone’s ability to receive health information and know how to accurately interpret and use that information. It is life-saving. This is one reason I’m love children’s literature. If kids enjoy reading, they’re more likely to practice reading, making them more skilled over time. If they are skilled readers, then they’re more likely to be able to interpret and use health information in a way that literally makes them healthier.

Reading saves lives.

Media literacy for kids

However, today, I want to take another step back and think about media literacy. In our current world, media and health information often overlap in confusing ways. How can we help our kids learn what sources to trust and how to know if information is reliable? (This is media literacy). I firmly believe a lot of this learning can come from thoughtful conversations.

Children’s books on media literacy:

For some families, a conversation starter helps. Here are a few books that can spark such chats. (As an affiliate of Bookshop, I may receive a commission on purchases made through these links).

• Attack of the Killer Underwear helps kids figure out if an information source is trustworthy. Although a lot of the focus is online sources (including social media and influencers), it can help spark conversation and critical thinking even with offline sources.
• Fact vs. Opinion vs. Robot is for younger kids. The book focuses on discerning facts from opinions; it also emphasizes that sometimes we need more information before making conclusions. 
• Lastly, I have a very niche recommendation, probably not for everyone: Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding. It is an elementary science curriculum and it has a section on “Baloney Detection,” which helps kids detect when information may be untrustworthy (or full of “baloney”).

A television show recommendation for kids and media literacy

Molly of Denali on PBS Kids is an animated show (and podcast) for young children. It mostly focuses on a community in rural Alaska, but also repeatedly emphasizes using reliable sources for information and research. The main character learns about the basics, such as using an index in a book, but also how to search online and how to know when a source is trustworthy.

Again, this show, like the listed books, is not a stand-alone resource for all things media literacy, but it may help be a starting point for conversations.

Other ways to talk about media literacy with kids

Depending on the age of a child, conversations about media will vary a lot. They can often start with an observation made by an adult,

• “Hmmm, I wonder why they wanted to report/post on this topic.” (This can lead to conversations about some people having financial motives to report on topics, whether it’s to instill fear or to sell a product).
• “Wow, they said that with a lot of confidence. Does it also make logical sense?” (This can be a great time to review what kids already know about the world, basic science, or logic).
• “I wonder how we can find out if this person is an expert in what they’re talking about?” (This is a chance to review what credentials and experience mean in different situations).

Even without any resources like books, a conversation can be a great way to introduce kids to media literacy. Learning how to interpret information can help keep them healthy throughout their lives.

Maya M. Mahmood, D.O., FAAP is a board-certified pediatrician and mom. She is passionate about parents having evidence-based information to help their families be healthier.