The bulletin summarises media literacy activities by a range of organisations in the UK and overseas. These activities include events, research, projects and initiatives and a range of international contributions.
Editorial note
Thank you to all who shared their updates for this edition of the Making Sense of Media bulletin. We have provided points of contact wherever possible, for the purposes of collaboration between network members.
A reminder that these updates are provided by our network members and reflect their individual views and contributions. Inclusion here does not imply endorsement by Ofcom.
Previous bulletins are available upon request.
Launch of consultation on Ofcom’s three-year media literacy strategy
We have published A Positive Vision for Media Literacy (PDF, 658.7 KB), a consultation document on our forthcoming three-year strategy. We are keen to hear your views and so have created a range of ways to engage with us:
- You can respond to the strategy by submitting a written response by 5pm on 24 June 2024.
- You can download a response form (ODT, 98.4 KB), alternatively you can email MSOMconsultation@ofcom.org.uk.
In addition, you are very welcome at one of our in-person events – please register here:
We are also holding an introductory webinar setting out our strategy on 23 May.
Annual media literacy research reports published
On 19 April we published our annual media literacy research reports, providing a rich picture of adults’ and children’s media use, attitudes and understanding through a combination of quantitative and qualitative research. They focus on online activities and behaviours as well as trust, media literacy skills, and critical evaluation of online information, along with sections that look at trends over time. You’ll find the reports at the links below:
- Children and Parents: Media Use & Attitudes and Children’s Media Lives
- Adults’ Media Use & Attitudes and Adults’ Media Lives
Best practice principles for Media Literacy by Design published
We have published our suite of best practice principles for Media Literacy by Design. These principles are to help platforms become accountable for making media literacy a priority, ensure the development of timely interventions that put user needs first, and monitor and evaluate interventions on an ongoing basis. We also conducted research to build evidence about interventions that happen on platforms - including exploring prompts to encourage people to make an active choice about the content they see.
Ofcom publishes first research agenda for Online Safety
Ofcom is encouraging interested academics and researchers to consider how best to achieve shared research goals with our first research agenda for Online Safety.
It sets out our current areas of interest for future research, which are arranged into four themes: User activity and behaviour; Online risk and harm; Service design and characteristics; and Safety measures and technologies. Contact academic.engagement@ofcom.org.uk or complete the initial Expression of Interest Form.
Engaging with academics
We are delighted to signpost our new webpage that sets out the ways that Ofcom engages with academics – across all our areas of work. These include letters of support for proposals for project funding or co-sponsoring PhD studentships. We look forward to hearing from you! Working with academic researchers - Ofcom.
Free media workshops for over 60s and summer clubs for young people – Yellow Jigsaw
Media social enterprise Yellow Jigsaw are running free-to-attend media workshops to empower people aged 60+ to make the most of the media. Workshops will take place monthly at Manchester Central Library and will cover podcasting, social media and video making. They are also running Media Cubs, a summer club for young people to make sense of the media. Media Cubs will take place throughout the school holidays in Greater Manchester. Contact grace@yellowjigsaw.co.uk.
News literacy and children’s wellbeing webinars - NewsWise
NewsWise are running two free news literacy webinars for teachers, educators, librarians and media literacy professionals: Talking about the news and supporting children’s wellbeing on Tuesday 4 June and How to teach news: transform your classroom into a newsroom on Tuesday 11 June. Contact newswise@theguardian.com.
Teen girls’ experiences of harm online – Internet Matters
Our latest Digital Wellbeing Index shows that teen girls experience more negative outcomes online than other children. This research dives further into these experiences to identify what can be done to help girls enjoy time online without facing harassment. Contact simone.vibert@internetmatters.org.
Link found between news literacy and civic engagement
New research conducted by the University of Birmingham and University of Liverpool has found a link between news literacy and civic engagement in children aged nine to 11 for the first time. The research also found that the NewsWise programme improved children's ability to spot mis and disinformation. Contact newswise@theguardianfoundation.org.
Report on WhatsApp’s misinformation warning tags
Read the new public report from the Everyday Misinformation Project at Loughborough University. The findings, which come from our nationally representative survey of 2000 members of the UK public, cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of WhatsApp's misinformation warning tags. Contact a.chadwick@lboro.ac.uk.
Empowering parents: Understanding Deepfakes – Internet Matters
This guide examines deepfake technology, underscoring its role in spreading misinformation. To safeguard children, parents should teach source verification, set parental controls, and stress the importance of privacy. Contact simone.vibert@internetmatters.org.
Review investigates harmful content on Kick - VoiceBox
A brand-new youth review from VoiceBox investigates extreme and harmful content on Kick, a new live streaming platform, in competition with Twitch. Contact info@voicebox.site.
Children's Wellbeing in a Digital World 2024 – Internet Matters
This Index Report explores the dual effects of the online world on children, highlighting parental concerns over screen time's impact on family, health, and focus, reflecting growing apprehension regarding children's digital engagement. Contact simone.vibert@internetmatters.org.
Behind the Headlines ambassador programme
There are still summer term spaces available for Behind the Headlines' free Media Literacy Ambassador programme. This trains 14 to 18-year-olds to teach their peers about media literacy and mis and disinformation. The programme is looking to work with schools in South and West Yorkshire. Contact educationcentre@guardian.co.uk.
Bee Smart evaluation – Internet Matters
This report evaluates the Bee Smart project in Greater Manchester, focusing on its impact on care leavers' media literacy. Utilising peer-to-peer delivery, the project addressed the online challenges faced by care leavers, aiming to enhance their digital literacy skills. Contact simone.vibert@internetmatters.org.
The Media & Learning: Back to the Future? conference
This will take place 20-21 June at the Provinciehuis in Leuven, Belgium. The conference will bring together a vibrant community of educators, researchers, and innovators passionate about leveraging media for enhanced learning experiences. More information including conference themes and registration can be found at: Media & Learning 2024 - Back to the Future? 20-21 June - Media and Learning (media-and-learning.eu).
Using computer games to combat disinformation
The Civil Resilience Initiative (CRI), a Lithuanian NGO dedicated to enhancing media literacy skills in Central and Eastern Europe has developed a game to strengthen disinformation recognition and develop media literacy skills. This has been adapted to several native Baltic languages, with an English language version available for adaptation in other countries. More information can be found at: The Disinformation Challenge: the power of game-based learning in strengthening media literacy - Media and Learning (media-and-learning.eu).