Youth Media

Who is forming our children’s values and influencing their behavior?

The media has become one of the most powerful influencers in society, especially to children.  According to the American Psychiatric Association, by the age of 18, a U.S. youth will have seen 16,000 simulated murders and 200,000 acts of violence through the media.  In addition to violence – sex, drugs and smoking is also pervasive in the media, and is negatively influencing young lives.  Now more than ever, it is critical that youth understand the impact that the media has upon their values and behavior, as well as learn ways in which they can appropriately address social issues. 

A Better World’s Youth In Media program provides guidance and training in three integrated areas:

• Media Literacy:  A deep understanding of the media’s influence on our lives.
• Media Production: Peer-to-peer learning and leadership training.
• Social Entrepreneurship: Confidence building, real world business skills.

Media Literacy

A Better World’s media literacy program was developed for students in grades six though 12.   Media literacy sessions provide a clear understanding of the influence that the media has upon their overall attitudes, values, choices and behavior.  Participants are also taught to critically analyze how the media uses tools of persuasion to manipulate the audience’s emotions. 

Media Production: Peer-to-Peer Learning and Leadership Training

With a clear understanding of the effects of social messages in the mass media and music, students are empowered to produce their own “edutainment” media pieces, creating positive communications for their peers.  Topics include critical health issues such as smoking, HIV/AIDS and pregnancy prevention.  The peer-to-peer education model is amazingly effective – not only do kids learn important values and pass them on to their peers in a contemporary way, but they also becomes agents and creators of positive social change in their highly at-risk urban neighborhoods.

Social Entrepreneurship

Youth are taught to identify their media production projects as service businesses and earned income ventures.  A Better World teaches these young producers the entrepreneurial skills needed to promote their media at local events – including our own “Street Smart Rallies”. As their skills develop and their confidence grows, these young adults learn how to use their unique voices to make positive contributions to society.