As we move through the year, I am thrilled to share the impactful work Media Smart has accomplished so far in 2024.
Media Smart Career Workshop
We launched an Advertising and Media Career Workshop with Omnicom Media Group UK earlier this month. The associated resources have already had hundreds of downloads, and we look forward to hearing your feedback from the classrooms in the Autumn term.
If you haven’t looked at this resource yet, we strongly encourage you to do so.
Addressing Online Scams
Earlier this year, we launched online videos and resources supporting the UK Government’s National Campaign Against Fraud through an innovative scam awareness campaign. Media Smart’s ‘Scam Flags Add up to a Scam’ aims to help 13–18-year-olds identify scams, how to avoid them, report them and where to go for support.
What’s the Deal with Political Advertising?
Our Political Literacy and Election Advertising Guide has been developed to help young adults critically evaluate political information and media messages in this year of many elections. This integrated campaign has been huge for Media Smart, reaching hundreds of thousands of people online, in cinemas, unis/colleges and on billboards nationwide. Ultimately, our mission has been to encourage young people to vote and to vote confidently!
Staying Safe Online Podcast
In celebration of #SaferInternetDay earlier this year, I joined a panel of experts who are driving positive change in child internet use on The BASE podcast, which is dedicated to promoting a safer online environment for our children. This episode empowers parents and the broader community with knowledge and tools for online safety.
The full guest list:
Our discussion delves into critical areas of online safety, including:
• Practical tips for safeguarding children on the internet.
• Understanding the rules around influencer advertising and the role of the Advertising Standards Authority.
• Identifying and avoiding scams and piracy.
Reflecting the comprehensive range of films and resources that Media Smart offers, this podcast episode is a treasure trove of guidance for anyone invested in making the internet safer for our younger generation.
Listen to the full podcast here.
All these initiatives reflect our commitment to equipping young people and young adults with the skills they need to thrive in a digital, commercial world. I encourage you to explore and share these resources, together, we can support and inspire the next generation to navigate the advertising and media landscape with confidence and integrity.
Rachel Barber-Mack
Executive Director of Media Smart
