How Can You Become Media Smart?

Written by: Isaac Omollo

Did you know this week is Media Literacy Week? But what exactly is media literacy? Simply put, media literacy means knowing how to understand what you see or hear in media, like TV, social media, or online videos. When you’re media literate, you ask yourself questions like: Who made this? Why did they make it? Is it true or false? How does it make me feel?

Media Literacy Week is a time when people celebrate and learn the skills needed to think carefully about media. Schools, organisations, and communities have fun activities, workshops, and discussions to help everyone, especially kids and teens, be smart about the information they see in the media.

This week is a great chance to learn how to spot good information, recognize fake news, and understand how the media can influence how we feel or think. The goal is to help you feel more confident when using media, so you can make smart choices about what to watch, read, and share.

It is important to remember that not everything we see is true or good for us. Sometimes, the media shows people in unfair or untrue ways. For example, you might see a video that only shows certain types of people having fun, which could make you think only they can be happy or successful. But we know that happiness and success come in many forms, and everyone can experience them!

With so much information online, it’s easy for people who don’t know about media literacy to believe false information. That’s why it’s important to learn how to recognize fake news and harmful stereotypes, like saying boys can only play sports or girls can only like dolls. By understanding these stereotypes, we can stand up for what’s right and celebrate everyone’s differences!

How Can You Be Media Literate?

Worried about how to become media literate? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Sauti Zetu offers fun programs that teach you everything about media and how to stay safe online. Here’s what we offer:

Content Creation – Learn how to write for media, do videography, edit videos, create podcasts, and design graphics.

Online Safety – Learn how to spot and report online abuse.

Toto Facts – Learn how to identify fake information and write facts.

Communication and Collaboration – Learn how to use digital platforms responsibly and advocate for yourself online.

Social Accountability – Learn about children’s rights and how to look at laws and policies from a child’s point of view.

Did you know your voice can be heard too? At Sauti Zetu, your opinions matter! Want to learn more about media? Join our training for fun, interactive lessons full of activities!

To join our Training, register with us using the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-RnqW0kiPoykHVXTuAG5HqPgc-FpqpaMy2ZmFVxCJopscoA/viewform?pli=1 

For more clarification, reach out to Collins, a child participation officer at Mtoto News on phone: 0706769021 or email at: collins@mtoto.news