Key Assessment Portfolio Title And Introduction

Key Assessment Portfoliotitle Key Assessmentintroductionthis Assign

This assignment will allow you to discover how media affects the self-image. The Assignment For this assignment you will develop a portfolio of various types of media (examples are newspapers, commercials, television programs, cartoons, radio, internet, magazines) that give messages to youth and adolescent on self-image, and perhaps use stereotypes of gender roles, social class, and ethnicities to depict typical behavior. Give five examples for each of the assigned age groups , from a variety of media sources. The age groups are: Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Provide the following information: - age group (be specific; not elementary but, ages 5-6; elementary includes ages 5 -10 or 11.) - media source (examples are newspapers, commercials, television programs, cartoons, radio, internet, magazines), give exact information such as date, time, or a link to the specific source - summarize the media message in three to four sentences - state the specific impact intended on the age group in three or four sentences - provide the specific target audience within the age group, for example, gender, ethnicity, income, class - decide on the age appropriateness of the message based on your readings from this class - as an education professional, what recommendations would you provide parents when asked about this particular media message - provide a resource for families for each example to use to assist them in image related discussions with their child(ren)

Paper For Above instruction

The influence of media on self-image among youth and adolescents is profound and multifaceted. Media perpetuates stereotypes and depicts certain ideals related to gender, ethnicity, and social class, which can significantly shape a young person's perception of themselves and others. Analyzing various media examples across different age groups reveals how messages are tailored and their potential impacts, highlighting the importance of media literacy in fostering healthy self-esteem among younger populations.

Elementary School Age (Ages 5-10/11)

1. Media Example: Cartoon television show - "SpongeBob SquarePants" (Nickelodeon, aired December 2022, episode titled "Friend or Foe"). The show depicts SpongeBob as a cheerful, optimistic sea sponge engaging in activities that demonstrate friendship and teamwork. The message emphasizes happiness and innocence, emphasizing social inclusion and positivity. The impact on children aged 5-10 includes modeling friendly behavior, but it can also reinforce stereotypes of gender-neutral characters and underwater fantasy worlds that emphasize imagination. Target audiences within this age group are often children with diverse backgrounds, mostly of middle-income families. Age-appropriateness is high, although parents should discuss the fantastical elements and potential gender stereotypes with children. Recommendations for parents include engaging in conversations about media content and encouraging creative play. A useful resource for families is Common Sense Media, which provides media reviews and guidance for parents.

2. Media Example: Magazine article in "National Geographic Kids" (published March 2023, online article). The article features images of children from diverse ethnic backgrounds participating in outdoor activities. The media message promotes diversity, physical activity, and confidence. The intended impact is to foster acceptance and active lifestyles. The target audience primarily includes children from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. The content is age-appropriate, promoting positive images of diversity. Parents should encourage children to see themselves in media and develop critical thinking about stereotypes. A helpful resource for families is the "Diversity in Media" toolkit from the Institute for Family Media.

3. Media Example: Commercial - Nike advertising targeted at children (aired January 2023, available on YouTube). The ad features young children playing sports, emphasizing perseverance and self-belief. The message encourages persistence regardless of gender or ability. It aims to motivate children towards physical activity and resilience. The target audience is children interested in sports, mainly boys and girls from middle-income families. Age appropriateness is suitable, with recommendations for parents to discuss the importance of effort over appearance. A recommended family resource is the "Active Kids Physical Activity Guide" from the CDC.

4. Media Example: YouTube animated video - "Dora the Explorer" episode (published February 2023). The episode promotes problem-solving skills and cultural diversity. The media message supports cognitive development and encourages respect for different cultures. The intended effect is positive socialization and confidence building. The specific target within the age group includes young children of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Age-appropriateness is high; parents should discuss cultural appreciation and media representation. A helpful resource for families is the PBS Kids media literacy guide.

5. Media Example: Radio program segment about healthy eating (aired March 2023, on Children's Radio Fair). The program features a cartoon character promoting nutritious foods. The message aims to establish healthy eating habits early on. The impact is to influence children’s choices and attitudes toward food. The target audience is elementary-aged children, primarily from middle-income families. Age-appropriate content and parental guidance are recommended to reinforce healthy habits. A resource for families is "Healthy Kids Cookbooks" by local health organizations.

Middle School Age (Ages 11-13)

1. Media Example: Teen magazine article in "Seventeen" (published April 2023). The article discusses body image and social media stereotypes. The message aims to address unrealistic beauty standards and promote self-acceptance. The impact sought is to mitigate negative self-image caused by media perfectionism. The specific target audience is middle school girls from middle to upper-middle income classes. Age-appropriateness is appropriate, with parental guidance encouraged on critical viewing. A recommended resource is "Body Image and Media Literacy" toolkit by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

2. Media Example: TV commercial for skincare products - "GlowUp" (aired May 2023, available on streaming platforms). It showcases teens using makeup and skincare to achieve flawless skin. The message promotes beauty by conforming to specific standards. The impact on viewers can lead to dissatisfaction with natural appearance and increased pressure to look perfect. The target audience is teenagers, especially girls, from middle-income families. Parents should discuss media's portrayal of beauty and promote self-esteem. A family resource is the "Media Smart" guide from the UK’s Ofcom.

3. Media Example: Social media platform (Instagram, verified accounts, May 2023). Influencers sharing fitness routines and diet tips. The message emphasizes appearance and athleticism. The impact may include comparative self-evaluation and body dissatisfaction. The target audience is middle school students active on social media, predominantly girls. Age-appropriateness concerns include exposure to idealized images; parents are advised to monitor usage and foster critical thinking. Families can utilize "Media Literacy for Teens" resources from the Media Education Foundation.

4. Media Example: Video game - "Fortnite" (spawned in 2017, with recent updates in 2023). The game features customizable avatars and social interaction. The message emphasizes creativity and socialization but also exposes players to stereotypes of masculinity and femininity. The impact includes influencing gender norms and social standards. The target audience is middle school boys and girls who play online multiplayer games. Age-appropriateness depends on moderation, with parental monitoring recommended. Resources include the "ESRB Video Game Ratings" guide.

5. Media Example: Streaming series on Netflix, "13 Reasons Why" (season 4, released April 2023). The series addresses mental health, bullying, and self-esteem issues. The media message is realistic but intense, promoting awareness. The impact on middle schoolers can vary from increased awareness to distress; careful parental guidance is essential. Target audience includes adolescents from diverse backgrounds. Age-appropriateness is debated; parents should discuss content critically. A helpful family resource is the "Talking with Teens about Media" handbook from the American Psychological Association.

High School Age (Ages 14-18)

1. Media Example: Social media influencer YouTube channel - "BeautyByLisa" (posted June 2023). The influencer shares beauty tutorials and fitness routines. The message promotes idealized beauty standards and materialistic aspirations. The impact may be increased self-comparison and body dissatisfaction. The target audience is older teens interested in beauty and fashion, mostly from middle and upper-middle income families. Age-appropriate discussions should include media's constructed nature. Recommended resource: "Fighting Unrealistic Beauty Standards" from the Teen Health Media resource.

2. Media Example: Movie - "The Edge of Seventeen" (released September 2022). The film explores adolescence, friendship, and identity. The media message promotes authenticity and resilience amid challenges. It impacts viewers positively by fostering understanding of teenage struggles. The target audience is high school students from various backgrounds. Age-appropriateness is suitable, but discussions about media representation are vital. Parents can use "Talking to Teens about Movies" guide from Child Mind Institute.

3. Media Example: Online fashion retailer advertisements (multiple campaigns in summer 2023). The ads feature thin, fashionable models and promote fast fashion. The impact may include pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals and consumerism. The target audience is fashion-conscious teens from affluent backgrounds. Parents should educate about media’s role in body standards and materialism. A resource for families is the "Fashion and Body Image" brochure from the National Eating Disorders Association.

4. Media Example: Streaming series on Netflix - "13 Reasons Why" (season 3, released August 2022). The show addresses mental health, suicide, and social pressures. The message emphasizes awareness but also risks distress. The impact may include increased understanding or vulnerability, hence parental guidance is essential. The target audience is high school students from diverse demographics. Age-appropriateness is a consideration; parents should facilitate discussions. Resources include "Mental Health Media Literacy" guides from mental health organizations.

5. Media Example: News segment about success stories of young entrepreneurs (aired July 2023, CNN). The segment showcases teens achieving success through innovation. The message encourages ambitions and resilience but can also set unrealistic standards. The target audience includes high school students contemplating careers, from various socio-economic backgrounds. Age-appropriate evaluations suggest encouraging realistic goal-setting. A resource is the "Youth Entrepreneurship Toolkit" from the Small Business Administration.

Conclusion

The curated examples across childhood and adolescence highlight the pervasive role media plays in shaping self-image. From animated characters to social media influencers, each message carries potential influences, both positive and negative. As education professionals and guardians, critical engagement with media content, guided discussions, and resources are essential to foster healthy self-esteem and media literacy, enabling youth to navigate societal standards critically and confidently.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2022). Talking with Teens about Media. APA.
• Children's Media Association. (2023). Media Literacy Resources for Parents. CMA.
• Common Sense Media. (2023). Media Reviews and Guidance. Common Sense Media.
• Division of Media Psychology. (2021). Effects of Media on Self-Perception. Media Psych Journal.
• National Eating Disorders Association. (2022). media and Body Image. NEDA.
• National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. (2022). Body Image and Media Literacy Toolkit. NCP.
• Institute for Family Media. (2021). Promoting Diversity in Media. IFM Publications.
• Small Business Administration. (2023). Youth Entrepreneurship Toolkit. SBA.
• United Kingdom’s Ofcom. (2022). Media Smart Guide for Parents. Ofcom.
• Media Education Foundation. (2023). Media Literacy for Teens. MEF.