Violence in the media is pervasive. While our young people are surfing the Internet, gaming, or downloading music, they are being barraged by disturbing images. Many impressionable young people are unwittingly carrying these images into their schools and communities, perhaps putting themselves and others at risk.

The good news is that we can help students become more informed, and more critical, of the electronic world in which they live.

Research shows that the single most effective action we can take to protect young people from the effects of media violence is to teach them to think critically about what they are seeing and hearing.

Developed by teachers for teachers, Addressing Violence in the Media is a CD that contains media literacy resources designed to be integrated throughout the Ontario school curriculum. The CD includes integrated lessons for Grades JK-8, and specific lessons for the following high school courses: Canadian Politics and Citizenship (CPC3O), Leadership and Peer Support (GPP3O) and Media Studies (EMS3O). Cross-curricular connections to other courses in Grades 9-12 are clearly identified.

A coalition initiated by opsba that includes ETFO, OECTA,OSSTF, OTF and others, has developed a new resource designed to educate students about the effects of violent videos, music, and television programs.

The resource is available for free download.

Click here to download this free resource.