Minds On
Parental controls
Many families choose to add parental controls to their TVs, tablets, cell phones, and computers.
Why do you think they would do this?
Why do you think these options are available for use?
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
How could viewing media that is meant for an adult audience affect adolescents and teens? Would they be positive or negative effects?
Record your thinking using a method of your choice.
Action
Understanding media
What we believe and how we behave are influenced by the things in our everyday world called media. Media includes television, movies, music, social media, online games, music videos, and magazines. Sometimes these pieces of media contain content that is sexually explicit and inappropriate for Grade 6 students.
This content can show people and relationships in ways that are misleading and inaccurate. They can also promote harmful gender stereotypes and encourage unrealistic body types.
Possible impact
By identifying the possible impact of media content, we can help reduce the negative effects that this material can have on young adults.
Let’s practise with a ‘True or False’ activity.
Can you recognize which of the following statements are true impacts of media and which are not?
If the statement is a true impact, select ‘True.’ If it is not a true impact, select ‘False.’
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
All of the statements from the activity are true. These statements are all examples of the impact sexually explicit content can have on adolescents.
Were you surprised by any of the statements? What are some other ways that viewing sexually explicit media can affect healthy development?
Record your thinking using a method of your choice.
Strategies for trusted adults
Sometimes we need help understanding the negative influence of media. If you have questions, a trusted adult is a good place to turn for answers.
A trusted adult can be a reliable source for factual information, and they can help you make sense of media. They can help you understand yourself and build your self-confidence. They can also help you relate to others and respond to challenges in relationships.
The following checklist shows us some of the strategies that a trusted adult can use to help.
Strategies to help
A trusted adult can help by …
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
If you have questions about something you see online or in the media, where can you get answers?
Record your ideas in a method of your choice.
Changes are happening
Young people experience a variety of changes as they get older. These changes occur during puberty and adolescence.
The following lists some of these changes. Press each tab to learn more.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
Think about the following questions:
- Why is it important for young people to know about these changes and the strategies to reduce harmful media?
- How can an understanding of changes and media help young people build self-confidence and develop healthy relationships?
- What are some questions that young people might have as changes happen during puberty and adolescence?
Record your ideas digitally, orally, or in print.
Consolidation
Safety manual
A safety manual is something that manufacturers include with their products to ensure that customers remain safe. By creating a safety manual, you can help people make educated decisions about the information and images they receive through the media.
Based on the information in the Action section, what would you include in a safety manual for students your age? Explain why you chose to include that information.
You can make your own manual using a method of your choice.
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.