The Current State of Media & Children
Children today live in a world of powerful, 24/7 media. In addition to traditional media and advertising (television, print, billboards), digital media has exploded: social media, streaming TV and movies, video games, and now AI tools are part of daily life. Over the last decade, the amount of time children and teens spend interacting with media has risen sharply. Roughly 1 in 5 U.S. teens say they are on TikTok and YouTube almost constantly (Pew Research Center, 2025). And 59% of 12- to 17-year-olds use AI to search for information and facts (Common Sense Media, 2026).
Media is everywhere, and technology is a part of life. Used well, it can inform, entertain, and connect young people. But when children and teens spend such large amounts of time online and in front of screens, they are also exposed to messages and information that can harm their health and wellbeing and undermine their development as empowered, engaged citizens.
The messages, images, information, and experiences we encounter through media help shape our beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, values, and identities. Used well, media can entertain, inform, and engage our children in positive ways. Media use helps young people become more competent in a digital age. Additionally, media allows for children and young people to express themselves and connect with others who are like them. Not to mention the ability to foster relationships with family members and friends that may not live nearby. And In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve learned a great deal about how children learn and how we can harness technology in educational settings.
At the same time, the potential negative impacts of media are profound. Some key concerns include:
- Online safety risks
- Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Misinformation
- Social comparison and low self-esteem
- Mental health issues
- Harmful content exposure
- Sleep Disruption
- Reinforcement of stereotypes
- Screen overuse and decreased social interaction
Young people recognize these challenges. A recent survey found that 94% of teens believe schools should teach media literacy (News Literacy Project, 2024).
So what can we do about this? This is where media literacy comes in.
Our Definition of Media Literacy
We define media literacy as the ability to:
- Decode media messages (including the systems in which they exist);
- Assess the influence of those messages on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and
- Create media thoughtfully and conscientiously.
Media literacy is the foundational, umbrella term for a number of other competencies that enable individuals to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication. It encompasses skills needed to understand media’s influence, distinguish credible sources, and responsibly create media in today’s digital world.
Like reading or math, media literacy is learned. Navigating our complex, ever-changing media landscape depends on acquiring skills and tools to:
- Consume and evaluate information
- Ask critical questions
- Avoid manipulation
- Engage in digital spaces safely and confidently
These skills are essential, but they are not widely taught to young people — yet. And that where’s we come in. Join us as we work to ensure students develop the essential media literacy skills needed for well-being, future success, and informed citizenship.
