Media Literacy and Safeguarding Workshop 27 th May 2010

Image courtesy of Karin Dalziel on Flickr, under Creative Commons licence

“There is no single agreed definition of media literacy. “Media Literacy is an umbrella term covering a set of personal skills, knowledge and understanding of media and communications.” Report of the Digital Britain Media Literacy Working Group, 2009

If you are media literate you can... USE computers, mobile phones, TV and radio to watch, listen, create and search in your daily life. What information is out there and what can you do with it? UNDERSTAND modern media, including choosing the best sources of information and understanding your digital identity. CREATE your own content and responses. –Derived from

..or put another way... “ Media-literate people are able to make informed choices about what they watch and the services they use. “They’re able to take full advantage of the full range of opportunities offered by new communications technologies, and are better able to protect themselves and their families from harmful or offensive material.” –Ofcom, 2004.

“Supporting young people to make informed decisions about how and why they participate digitally is an important response to the commercialisation of childhood, to the need for e-safety and to children’s increasing use of technology.” Becta, Digital Literacy, 2010

“The ability to read and write – or traditional literacy – is no longer sufficient in this day and age. People need a greater awareness of how to express themselves effectively, and how to interpret what others are saying, especially on blogs, via search engines or in advertising.” Viviane Reding, 2007 (Information Society and Media Commissioner in Europe)

“ In the same way that traditional literacy is essential for all subjects, digital literacy needs to be incorporated into all teaching. “Young people are more likely to stay safe online if they have the ability to make appropriate and informed decisions about their use of technology.” Becta, Digital Literacy, 2010

“There is a prize here – we all want to live in a country of engaged citizens and wise consumers.” Tessa Jowell, 2004.

Media Literacy Resources -Get Safe Online (for individuals and small businesses)Get Safe Online -BBC Media Literacy (illustrated with BBC content)BBC Media Literacy -WiseKids (for children & adults)WiseKids -Digizen ( Social Networking & Cyberbullying)Digizen -Internet Detective (evaluating web resources) – also has Welsh versionInternet Detective Welsh version -Becta’s Planning Tool for teachersBecta’s Planning Tool These and more listed at