Most media messages are constructed with a purpose. Media literacy can help youth understand messages - actual or "between the lines" - heard in music lyrics, promoted on clothing and jewelry, shown in ads, and portrayed on TV or in movies. This helps youth learn to see and resist messages that promote using alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

Media literacy is being able to analyze media messages, understand the intent of the messages, and judge how the information in the messages is used. These skills are especially important to young people, who are flooded with media messages at the same time they are building their own identities and values.

Media images often impact teens' decisions about which attitudes and actions are "normal." The need for group acceptance and peer approval is high during the teen years. Teens who understand how the media works are better able to make choices based on facts rather than on "hype."

Tune In

The next time your teen is watching the tube, sit down and join him. Find out what he likes about the program Was there a similar TV program popular when you were a teen? Talk with him about how the two programs are alike or how they are different.

Reel Life

Talk with your teen about whether people in real life look like the people on TV or in the movies. What are the differences? How do the people she sees in movies and on TV make her feel about herself? Does he want to look like the people he sees on TV? Does she want to live the lifestyle she sees portrayed? Is this realistic?

This Ad's for You

The next time you and your teen pass a billboard, see a TV commercial, or notice a print ad in a magazine or newspaper, ask him about the advertising message. What is the ad really selling? A product? A feeling? A lifestyle? What is the motive behind the ad? Does he believe what the ad says? Can the product actually do what the ad promises or implies? What else may the product or service do that the ad doesn't mention? Is the ad misleading in any way? Whom is the ad targeting? Why?

About the Author

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SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Includes links to support groups, information resources, events and articles.