Media Literacy Class

San Juan School District,

            I would like to bring to your attention the fact that San Juan School District does not provide a media literacy class for their students. I would strongly encourage the school district to implement some sort of class or even a short program that lasts a few weeks. This type of a program will help students become aware of the different types of media they are exposed to every day and how that media can have an effect on them physically, emotionally, as well as socially.

            Teaching our students in all areas is the fundamental goal of education; however, I feel that educating them about the media is one area in which San Juan Schools could put more of their focus on. The media effects individuals in so many ways both positively and negatively that is why it is so important that we teach students about the media. So that they themselves will be able to not only understand the effect that the media is having on them but also allow them to make informed decisions about the type and amount of media they allow themselves to take in.

            The level of self esteem that I have noticed in students not just in high school and middle school but even as young as elementary age students has made me believe that a media literacy class in necessary for the San Juan Schools. At times it can be hard for children and adolescents to distinguish the difference between what they see on television and what reality is really like. The media does an excellent job at sexualizing women especially and creating a body image that kids believe is necessary to have yet in all reality it is almost impossible to achieve. This is not a problem exclusively presented for girls, the media is also emphasizing the perfectly fit and muscular body image that boys think they must have as well. The media aimed at children and adolescents also is often very high in relational aggression content. Because of this children begin to believe that being mean and aggressive with their peers is okay and in some cases is even considered the norm.

            Although the media is not the only reason self-esteem levels can be low in students, it is source of negativity that we can target. Helping students become media literate can influence how they see themselves as well as how they view their peers. As students gain a more positive image of themselves as well as those around them, they will be able to contribute to creating a healthy environment in which they can learn and excel not only socially but academically as well. Once again I strongly encourage you to consider creating a media literacy class for the students of San Juan School District.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration,

Kimber Mitchell