Improving wellbeing - focused media literacy in schools
Context
Young people’s lives are increasingly shaped by digital technologies, which provide important opportunities for connection, learning and self-expression, but can also expose young people to content and experiences that may affect their mental health and wellbeing.
My research examines how young people navigate these digital environments, and how they can be supported to develop the knowledge and skills needed to use digital technologies in ways that promote their wellbeing. A particular focus is understanding how education can help young people critically engage with online content, make informed decisions and navigate the opportunities and risks of digital life.
The research
The Improving Wellbeing-Focused Online Media Literacy in Schools project aims to identify how schools can best support young people to develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate online environments in ways that promote their wellbeing.
The research comprises three complementary strands. First, we are conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research to identify effective wellbeing-focused media literacy interventions and the components associated with positive outcomes. Second, we are conducting interviews with a representative sample of Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) teachers to understand how they make decisions about wellbeing-focused online media literacy education and to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation.
Teachers will also critically appraise examples from their own teaching practice alongside examples of best practice. Finally, we are working with RSHE teachers and curriculum resource developers to translate the evidence into practical ‘what works’ guidance for schools.
Featured publications
- A conceptual framework. British Educational Research Journal.
- Wellbeing-focused media literacy interventions in secondary schools: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.
- Digital Bodies: A controlled evaluation of a brief classroom‐based intervention for reducing negative body image among adolescents in the digital age.