DepEd to include media
literacy in curriculum

THE Department of Education is set to include media literacy education in the basic education curriculum this school year to protect children from the negative effects of vulgarity, sex and violence that are still prevalent in some TV shows and other forms of media.

"We believe that our young learners need to be protected from adverse media which they encounter every day while in the process of acquiring information and entertainment," Education Secretary Mona Valisno.

To prepare for the integration, DepEd has created the Media Literacy Task Force (MLTF) to develop a National Media Literacy Education (NMLE) curriculum that would help children understand and handle media. "Our children need help in developing their skill to distinguish good news from bad news and good programs from bad ones," said Valisno.

She said recent studies (Cartoon Network New Generations Philippines 2009, the 2008 AC Nielsen kids’ study and the 2002 PCTVF Media Violence Study) showed the prevalence of TV viewing among children and youth. It was also reflected in the 2009 study which showed that 26 percent of Filipino children go online everyday, 50 percent of whom use the internet for their homework.

Likewise, a 2008 UNICEF study also showed that excessive exposure to television is one of the leading causes of physical weakness, stress, poor appetite, aggression and violent behavior among children.

That study prompted DepEd, the National Council for Children’s Television, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board and Smart Communications to launch the Bantay TV campaign which monitors TV programs between 6 to 10 am, the period when majority of children watch TV shows.

DepEd said NMLE will be integrated in the Basic Education Curriculum under Social Studies for the elementary level and under English/Communication Arts/Values for the high school level. Valisno said teachers, school administrators, and peer educators will soon undergo training in preparation for the integration.

A National Consultative Conference and Workshop on Media Literacy Education will also gather sector-based ideas and sentiments that will serve as database for the formulation of policies on media literacy education and in the development of media literacy curriculum for the Philippines. Expected to attend the conference are members of the academe, broadcast, print, and advertising industry, telecommunications firms, internet associations, NGOs, allied associations, youth/student sectors and other government agencies. – Ashzel Hachero

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