Children's Media Literacy Project

School-based interpersonal communication, as well as video and printed materials, are at the centre of this effort to guide primary school students on how to approach radio and television content with a critical stance. During the initial pilot stage of the project, selected schools received a video recording and support materials for Grade 4 teachers. The course materials are designed to help teachers explain to children what types of programming are problematic and why, incorporating data from research conducted in Jamaica. Students who complete the course are also taught how to make informed choices about programming; this process involves using the Children's Code for Programming and rating designations as guidelines.

Children.

One study, cited by UNESCO, indicated that primary-school age children in Jamaica have high exposure to media with potentially harmful content. This study showed that 95.4% of 11 and 12 year olds sampled had television sets in the homes, and more than half had access to cable or satellite TV. The study also identified a statistical relationship between large amounts of television viewing and learning and behavioural problems.

The Joint Board of Teacher Education has completed testing of the project material in a pilot involving 910 students drawn from upper primary grades (4-6) and secondary grades (7-9) in 10 schools. The testing was incorporated into final year teaching practice within three teachers' colleges. Further action around the programme will be informed by recommendations arising from the pilot.