Think Before You Click: Teaching Media Literacy

Today's children and teens are surrounded by more information than any generation before them. Through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more, students access news and information at lightning speed, but not everything they see online is true or helpful. This week (October 27-31) is Global Media and Information Literacy Week, and we're highlighting the importance of teaching young people to think critically about what they read, watch, and share.

What Is Media and Information Literacy (MIL)?

Media and information literacy (MIL) is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and share information responsibly across different forms of media—from news articles and advertisements to social media videos and posts. For students, it means learning to ask questions, recognize bias, and think critically before sharing or believing content. For parents and teachers, MIL is an essential part of preparing young people for the real world by helping them become thoughtful citizens who engage with media ethically, creatively, and confidently in an ever-changing digital landscape.

The Role of Media Literacy in Every Subject

At school, teaching media and information literacy doesn't have to be limited to social studies or technology classes. MIL is a cornerstone of modern education, and it touches every area of learning. In language arts, students may analyze tone, bias, and perspective in literature and nonfiction. In math or statistics, they might examine how graphs, percentages, and survey data can be framed to persuade an audience. In the sciences, they can learn to distinguish between credible, peer-reviewed research studies and viral misinformation or pseudoscience.

By integrating media awareness across subjects, teachers can help students connect classroom knowledge with the information they encounter every day. They begin to see that facts gain meaning only when placed in context, and that the responsible use of information is our shared responsibility.

From Consumers to Critical Thinkers

Every scroll, click, and share can shape the way children view the world. Without strong critical thinking skills, it’s easy to mistake misinformation for fact. MIL encourages active participation in healthy online environments, rather than passive consumption of content. Before sharing information or reacting, it's important to pause and ask key questions:

• Who created this piece of information, and why?

• Who is the intended audience for its message?

• How current is this information?

• What evidence supports these claims?

• Is this information verified by credible sources?

• Can I find this same information from another trusted source?

• Which perspectives or voices are being centered? And which are being excluded?

• How does this make me feel, and why?

Asking such questions turns every piece of information into a learning opportunity. From evaluating a viral trend to researching for a school project, students can build the habits of thinking deeply, asking questions, and developing intellectual independence.

Supporting Healthy Online Habits

At home, one of the biggest challenges for parents today is helping children balance curiosity with caution online. After all, the internet is also a space for connection, creativity, and learning. Parents can build trust and awareness by encouraging open conversations with children about what they see, read, or post on social media and elsewhere. Rather than simply warning against “bad information,” parents should model checking for bias and discussing different viewpoints respectfully. Simple strategies like checking publication dates, comparing multiple sources, or looking for expert citations can help your child develop a discerning eye and learn MIL from their own living rooms.

Global Media and Information Literacy Week reminds us that teaching students how to think about information is just as crucial as teaching them what to know. By learning to think critically online, children grow into responsible, media-savvy global citizens who seek truth amid the noise. Media and information literacy empowers them to lead with integrity and confidence in an increasingly complex, interconnected world. This week—and every week—let’s encourage one another to think critically, ask questions, and explore and improve the world with open minds.