About Us
Advertising can be a creative and inspiring world, where ideas come alive with drama,
excitement and humour to entertain and engage us. But today, young people grow up in a world of commercial messaging that touches most areas of their lives – so it is more important than ever that they understand exactly what is being suggested, promised and sold to them.
Our innovative educational resources are designed to provide 7–17 year olds with the understanding and tools they need to be critical consumers of the media, looking at important subjects like social media and digital advertising, influencer marketing and body image.
In developing the key skills of media literacy – resilience, empathy, creativity, communication and critical-thinking – young people are also building life skills which will help them on their journey towards future employability and well-being, and equip them to be successful global citizens.
Please take a look around, immerse yourself in our fascinating world and, above all, have fun teaching and talking to the young people in your lives.
For the latest news on our campaigns and teaching materials, sign up to our social feeds.
Meet the Team

rachel barber-mack
Director of Media Smart UK
Rachel was brought in to relaunch and run Media Smart back in 2014, which has seen the programme go from strength to strength – milestones include over 25 advertising industry supporters and 68,000 downloads of its new teaching resources. Whilst leading Media Smart, Rachel has championed innovative educational campaigns on body image, influencer marketing and social media – working with the Government, the world’s most recognised brands and charities including NSPCC and Childline.
She is passionate about delivering social impact initiatives and is recognised for connecting people, organisations and projects to make positive things happen with a lasting legacy.
Earlier in her career, Rachel co-founded her own successful youth and experiential marketing agency, running award winning projects for Apple, EA Sports, MTV and MCC. At the Engine Group, she developed and implemented RBS’s sponsorship strategy including 6 Nations Rugby, Andy & Judy Murray and Sachin Tendulkar. And fresh out of university, she ran the commercial arm of Millfield School’s world class education, sports and cultural facilities.

Dan Clays
Chairman of Media Smart UK
Dan Clays is Chief Executive of Omnicom Media Group in the UK. He is responsible for the overall business performance, client delivery and future growth strategy of Omnicom’s media agency and specialist service operations in the UK, which comprises 1500 people across the UK.
As CEO of OMG, Dan provides oversight, guidance and support across OMD UK, PHD, Manning Gottlieb OMD, Hearts & Science, alongside OMG’s specialist marketing services including Annalect, Fuse and Resolution. Dan has been in Omnicom for 8 years, previously leading OMD UK during that period as Chief Executive of the agency.
Prior to OMD, Dan spent 12 years at The Independent, then Havas owned business Arena, during which time he spent the most part of a decade leading the digital specialist agency Quantum. His media career started in TV planning and buying at Carat and then PHD. Away from work, Dan lives in Balham with his wife Jo and three young, energetic children, George, Lily and Ava.