Media Influences
Media Influences — From Understanding Media to Challenging It Media Navigator (in year 7) taught them to read the media now we teach them to question it — and change it. Media Influences builds directly on Media Navigator, taking pupils deeper into how media shapes the way we see ourselves, each other, and the world. In a climate of impossible beauty standards, addictive marketing and gender stereotypes reinforced daily by screens, this programme gives young people the critical tools to push back. An eight-lesson curriculum that examines the real-world impact of media on identity, body image, health choices and gender — and empowers pupils to become active, informed, and confident media citizens. Young people are bombarded with messages about who they should be, what they should look like, and what they should want. Media Influences gives them the skills to spot it, challenge it, and choose differently. The goal isn't passive awareness. It's active change. Part of the Bounce Forward Healthy Minds suite — developmental, evidence-based, and built for real life.
Lessons
8 lessons in this module.
Introduction to Media Influences
Introductory lesson revisiting media literacy and setting context for Media Influences. Covers advances in social media, text vs subtext, and prepares students for critical analysis of gender, body image, health, and decision-making.
Media Gender Constructions
Examines how media constructs gender stereotypes. Students deconstruct adverts to identify target marketing, gender bias, and the influence of legislation on media representation.
Media and Body Image
Explores how media promotes unrealistic body ideals. Deconstructs fashion and fitness advertising, addresses body shaming, and develops body-positive, health-focused responses.
Media, Health and Food Marketing
Compares food product marketing against actual nutritional value. Students examine food targeting strategies, barriers to accessing healthy food, and structural issues in public health.
Media, Health, and the Marketing of Addiction
Investigates gambling product marketing and the links between gaming mechanics and addiction. Features a team quiz and scenario-based group discussion on gambling awareness.
Media and Decision Making
Examines how media directly influences consumer and personal decision-making. Students analyse persuasion techniques, build a media log, and develop strategies for more conscious decision-making.
Creating Media
Students design and create their own counter-adverts challenging a deceptive or harmful media message. Covers counter advertising concepts, deconstruction examples, and practical campaign production.
Presenting Media: My Counter Advert
Final lesson where students present their counter-adverts to the class. Discussion reflects on the full Media Influences module and how critical media literacy applies beyond school.