Teen Sexual Health

Teen Workshop Modules

Overview | Understanding 'Media' | Uncovering Messages | Categorizing Messages | Exploring The Impact Of These Messages | Media Jujitsu

Media Literacy: Media Jujitsu

Estimated Time: 5 Minutes

Procedure:

1. Summarize what you've done so far: uncovered media messages, analyzed where they come from and their effects, and looked specifically at how they affect teens' choices about sexuality and sexual health. Discuss that this way of looking at the media and what it's trying to sell is called "media literacy," and is meant to help people be smart consumers of media messages so they can make the best choices possible for themselves.

2. Explain that next we are going to look at how people can take care of themselves. Emphasize that these messages have the most power to influence us when we are not aware they exist. So, we have already laid a solid framework for dealing with media messages in the future.

3. In partners, discuss the following questions:

• How can you make sure you are making your own decisions and aren't being influenced by negative messages in the media?
• How can you support your peers to make decisions that take care of themselves?
• How can you create messages that help teens make healthy choices?

4. Ask if anyone wants to share any of their ideas with the group.

5. Reinforce that when it comes to relationships and sexuality, following media messages blindly is harmful to your own health and that of your partner. It's important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner, be prepared to hear and accept a "no," and not pressure someone who is obviously unsure or has trouble being clear.

6. Thank everyone for participating.

To: Media Literacy: Overview >