Media Influences
From gender stereotypes to food marketing to the psychology of gambling, media shapes how young people see themselves and make decisions often without them realising it. This module pulls back the curtain, giving students the critical tools to question what they consume and the confidence to push back.
Lessons
8 lessons in this module.
Introduction to Media Influences
Introductory lesson revisiting media literacy and setting context for Media Influences. Covers advances in social media, text vs subtext, and prepares students for critical analysis of gender, body image, health, and decision-making.
Media Gender Constructions
Examines how media constructs gender stereotypes. Students deconstruct adverts to identify target marketing, gender bias, and the influence of legislation on media representation.
Media and Body Image
Explores how media promotes unrealistic body ideals. Deconstructs fashion and fitness advertising, addresses body shaming, and develops body-positive, health-focused responses.
Media, Health and Food Marketing
Compares food product marketing against actual nutritional value. Students examine food targeting strategies, barriers to accessing healthy food, and structural issues in public health.
Media, Health, and the Marketing of Addiction
Investigates gambling product marketing and the links between gaming mechanics and addiction. Features a team quiz and scenario-based group discussion on gambling awareness.
Media and Decision Making
Examines how media directly influences consumer and personal decision-making. Students analyse persuasion techniques, build a media log, and develop strategies for more conscious decision-making.
Creating Media
Students design and create their own counter-adverts challenging a deceptive or harmful media message. Covers counter advertising concepts, deconstruction examples, and practical campaign production.
Presenting Media: My Counter Advert
Final lesson where students present their counter-adverts to the class. Discussion reflects on the full Media Influences module and how critical media literacy applies beyond school.