Improving Children’s Wellbeing through Media Literacy Education: an Irish Study

Victoria O'Rourke, Sarah Miller

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

This study reports the findings from a pilot RCT, which determined the effect of 4 lessons of a media literacy intervention on children’s wellbeing. Data was collected from children aged 8-11 in 7 primary schools in Ireland (nPaired data=324). On average teachers in the treatment group delivered 150 minutes of a newly launched media literacy intervention. By means of a pen and paper based questionnaire, changes in children’s wellbeing were recorded. The impact of covariates of gender and screen consumption on children’s wellbeing was also explored. Findings indicate scope to improve children’s wellbeing. The study determines that 4 media literacy lessons, delivered as a component of the wellbeing curriculum, had a statistically significant positive effect on children’s wellbeing. Girls are reporting higher levels of wellbeing and screen consumption was found to be negatively correlated with wellbeing. Experimental studies on the impact of media literacy lessons on children’s wellbeing are sparse. The findings demonstrate the positive contribution media literacy lessons can make to primary curriculum, and add to the body of research that advocates for compulsory media literacy teachings in primary curriculum.
Original languageEnglish
TypePreprint
Media of outputJournal of Media Literacy Education (Pre Prints)
Publication statusEarly online date - 01 Dec 2021

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