Media literacy is an important PSHE topic within secondary schools because it equips young people with the skills to understand and critically analyse the role of media (both traditional and digital) in their lives, influencing their perspectives, behaviours, and even their participation in society. It helps young people identify bias, misinformation, and manipulative tactics, enabling them to make informed decisions to keep themselves happy and safe.

Covering topics including privacy, cyberbullying, fear of missing out and extremism, this textbook:

. Offers easy-to-follow lesson plans and tutor plans for secondary PSHE teachers, including non-specialists

. Recommends ways to empower pupils to keep themselves safe and happy online

. Supports maintaining mental wellbeing when engaging in various forms of media

This practical guide shares clear and easy step-by-step approaches to teaching media literacy in a secondary classroom. Following a spiral curriculum, it equips teachers with the skills, knowledge and confidence to support their pupils in engaging responsibly with both traditional and digital media.

Pauline Stirling has taught for over 30 years in schools both independent and state, primary and secondary schools, including as head of PSHE and Citizenship Studies. Pauline is passionate about PSHE, global education and outdoor learning. She is the author of various PSHE, Wellbeing and Humanities educational resources.