Hit Pause Media Literacy Curriculum

Teens today can access a world of possibilities online. Whether it’s exploring important topics around the world or looking up a video to help with algebra homework, this generation has never known a reality without this world at their fingertips.

Along with all the enriching opportunities the internet offers, one of the real challenges with youth online media consumption is the potential for exposure to misinformation. This curriculum, developed by Poynter’s MediaWise with support from YouTube, breaks big media literacy topics and ideas into bite-sized pieces to help teens actively and knowledgeably use the internet, specifically by giving them the skills to discern fact from fiction and the confidence to share information responsibly.

There are 11 lessons in this series, linked in the folders on this page, with a slide presentation, handouts (when needed) and a link to a YouTube Hit Pause or MediaWise video that corresponds with the lesson.
Lessons can be used sequentially, as stand-alones or in the order that best suits instructional purposes. Each lesson is designed to last 30-45 minutes, with additional extension activities included. You can also find abbreviated versions of the curriculum, designed as a five hour workshop or a 90 minute lesson.

Through implementation of the entire curriculum sequence, students are equipped with the knowledge to recognize misinformation, the skills and resources to fact-check it and the confidence to make decisions on responsible sharing.